July 17, 2020

Big River Farms CSA members and our supporters know the social, economic, and environmental benefits of choosing local food. From supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) farmers, to accessing fresh nutritious produce, to reducing the distance your food travels, eating local has a huge range of positive impacts. 

Recently, our friends at The Good AcreFairShare CSA CoalitionLakewinds Food Co-op, and a number of other nonprofits and businesses launched the Local Food is Essential campaign. This movement began in response to the unexpected challenges facing food producers and farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the pandemic began, local food producers, farmers, and grocery store workers have been deemed essential because they provide access to healthy food. BIPOC communities are more likely than white ones to be essential workers on the front lines of the pandemic, delivering groceries, stocking shelves, harvesting food, and preparing take-away food. Over the past four months, the global health crises and social uprisings have shown us just how essential it is to have a strong, vibrant, local food system rooted in racial equity.

You can support the movement by taking the Eat Local Pledge. Look for more local food options at nearby farmers markets or food co-ops to compliment your fresh CSA produce. When searching for a quick bite to eat or drink, think about supporting locally-owned and operated cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Many of these local establishments have begun providing pandemic-safe options, including online shopping, curbside pick up, to-go ordering, and socially-distanced patio dining. Join the movement today!

Find local near you

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

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

Learn from Last Year's Event
The 16th annual Emerging Farmers Conference was held virtually in January 2021. Check out the executive summary.

At Big River Farms, we believe everyone who wants to start a sustainable farm should have access to education, land, infrastructure, markets, resources, and connections to meet their goals.

Help raise awareness of hunger in our communities!

Media Inquiries
Contact Sophia or call 763-450-3860.

Cash Grants Are Welcome, Too
Contact Emily Eddy White about making a corporate or foundation gift to The Food Group or call 763-450-3868.

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

Are You a Fare For All Fan?
Share about your Fare For All stop! The more people who shop, the better the prices for everyone.

Equity and Nutrition
Learn more about The Food Group's mission and read our Equity Values Statement and Healthy Foods Policy.

Would your organization like to join our list of groups donating $5,000 or more? Email Laura Mirafuentes or call 763-450-4209.

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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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The Food Group Office & Warehouse

Big River Farms