Comcast donates to high-demand food shelf serving Richfield families during Xfinity storeopening

The newly opened Xfinity store in Richfield will bring expanded access and services to Comcast customers in the area. It also highlights a need beyond connectivity.

During a ribbon-cutting event, Comcast presented a check for $2500 to Veap. “We are the Twin Cities’ largest food shelf, and we also provide social services, like rental, utility, and deposit assistance as well as general case management to help families and individuals who are struggling,” said Jennifer Harrison, vice president of advancement at VEAP.

Harrison says the number of people needing help is on the rise.

“In 2024, we had 256,000 visits to our pantry locations.” That’s a more than 150% increase from four years ago, when pantry visits were at 100,000.

Harrison says the numbers will likely continue to increase as changes to Minnesota’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are implemented by the federal government. “That gives our participants less purchasing power, and we feel we will see more of those folks coming to us for help.”

Harrison says every donation and every dollar counts. “We literally could not do the work we do without donations like this. The dollars also stay right in this community, so you never know if you are helping your neighbor or your child’s classmate at school.”

Harrison accepted the $2500 check on behalf of Veap during a ribbon-cutting event for Comcast’s newest Xfinity store in Richfield, its 16^th Twin Cities location.

“The store represents more than just a retail space, it’s an investment in our community, bringing jobs and the latest innovative technologies closer to home, said Mary Supple, mayor of Richfield. “We look forward to the positive impact Comcast will have in our city while helping residents stay connected.”

The new Richfield Xfinity store offers a storefront location where visitors can experience Xfinity’s offerings, including internet, video, mobile, voice, and home security.

“Richfield is only 7.2 square miles, so we’re a small community,” said Sharon Christensen, a member of the Richfield City Council. “We have so many different apartment complexes, we’ve got new housing coming in, and it’s always a better fit if you can go in person for technical help.”

By the end of 2025, Comcast will also open an additional location in Chanhassen, bringing its store total to 17 in the Twin Cities.

“We are doubling down on our commitment to bring Xfinity closer to the communities we serve,” said Rachel Johnson, vice president, sales and marketing, Comcast Midwest. Xfinity locations give customers access to support, exchange, and upgrade equipment as well as a location to pay their bill, for example.

“Over the last three years, we’ve invested over $534 million just in the Twin Cities area, expanding our network, constructing to more homes and businesses so they can enjoy our services,” said Kalyn Hove, regional senior vice president, Comcast Midwest.

The new Richfield Xfinity store is located at 1704 E. 66th Street and is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

To learn more about Veap, its services in the Twin Cities, and how to donate, go to: https://veap.org.