Mission & Values
What We Do
Our mission is to empower underrepresented food producers—especially BIPOC, women, and new farmers—by providing access to resources, we connect local growers with markets, food pantries, and food-insecure college students and community members. Together, we tackle food insecurity and waste while celebrating diverse food practices that honor cultural heritage and promote sustainability.
By doing so, we not only expand access to nutritious food but also combat food waste and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with it.
We’ve established meaningful, reciprocal partnerships with over 300 food producers, farmers, & partners. We continue to grow as more farmers & food service agencies seek our services. Our work ensures that food producers can plan effectively, meet the growing demand for healthy food, and contribute to the resilience of both urban and rural communities in southern Minnesota.
Additionally, we have partnerships with over 30 non-profit and food service agencies. Together, we collaborate to meet food access gaps by designing sustainable food system solutions that meet the needs of their community.
We are committed to nurturing a culture of food that prioritizes health, well-being, and care for the shared home we all depend on. By managing every element of the food web economy—from source to table—we create a sustainable system that serves the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Why It Matters
Our efforts address critical challenges, including:
Nurturing Future Food Leaders: We are dedicated to equipping underrepresented young learners with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to thrive within their local food systems.
Emergency Preparedness
Building capacity to deliver vital food resources during times of supply chain disruption and extreme weather.
Local
Economies
Strengthening the connection between local food producers and their communities.
Food
Waste
Diverting surplus food from waste streams to reduce environmental impact.
Food
Insecurity
Ensuring communities have access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food.
