Why We Exist

Increasing food access and equity for nearly 50 years.

Fighting Hunger. Nourishing our Community.

For nearly 50 years, The Food Group has provided good, local food to those who need it most.  We increase access to healthy, culturally connected foods in 30 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The Food Group envisions a just and equitable food system, which is based on sustainable food production and access to affordable food for everyone. We work toward this by:

  • Increasing access to healthy food
  • Increasing distribution of culturally connected foods and services
  • Offering education and support services to hunger relief agencies, farmers, and community members.
  • Partnering with emerging farmers in food production
  • Driving food systems change

A local equity-focused nonprofit, we rise to the challenges of food access and hunger every day. In 2020, we distributed:

  • 11.8 million pounds of food — or 9.8 million meals. That’s a dramatic increase from 6.7 million meals in 2019.
  • 1.2 million pounds of culturally connected foods. That’s more than double the 435,000 pounds in 2019.
  • 2.1 million pounds of fresh produce. That’s up from 1.7 million pounds in 2019.

The Food Group works across the food system from production to distribution. In addition to providing food to our hunger relief partners, we increase food access by selling affordable groceries and supporting sustainable food production. Explore this website to learn more about the full scope of our programs, and to read more about the values that guide us toward building a stronger and healthier community for everyone.

We Value Nutritious Food
Working with our community partners, The Food Group buys, gleans, grows, and processes fresh produce.

Everyone deserves access to the healthy foods they want and need to be well.

The Food Group board member

Food Bank
or Food Shelf?
The Food Group is a food bank that supplies other hunger relief agencies with fresh produce, frozen meat, grocery staples, and other household necessities. Food shelves distribute free food to individuals and families in their local communities.

The Food Group believes in food equity. They believe in culturally specific foods. They believe in meeting people where they are at. And most of all, they believe in dignity.

The Food Group volunteer and donor

Did You Know?
Over 20% of Black households and 19% of Latinx households report food insecurity, compared to 10% of white households.

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The Food Group

We’re a nonprofit working at the intersection of equity and access to fresh, sustainable foods. From farming to distribution, we provide fresh food across MN and WI.

The Food Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN 41-1246504 Contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount provided by the law.

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CRC Meets Standards

The Food Group Office & Warehouse

Big River Farms

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