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Homegrown Minneapolis is a citywide initiative
expanding our community's ability to grow, process,
distribute, eat and compost more healthy, sustainable,
locally grown foods.
November 2018
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 Winter Farmers Markets in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, winter doesn’t mean the end of local foods and farmers markets. Check out the various winter farmers markets open during the colder season. Stock up on fresh late-season produce, artisan crafts and handmade goods, savory treats, and more.
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Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Approves Community Garden Policy
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the Minneapolis Parks Community Garden Policy on October 17th. The policy outlines rules, requirements and processes for community gardening at neighborhood parks in Minneapolis.
Two budget requests to help support implementation of the community garden policy were included in the Superintendent’s recommended budget. If approved, the 2019 MPRB budget will include a half-time staff position to manage the community garden program and a new annual implementation fund to help with construction of community gardens in designated urban agriculture areas.
Interested in a plot? An application process will open in the spring of 2019. Until then, interested gardeners can contact MPRB Customer Service at info@minneapolisparks.org and request to be notified when plot applications become available.
Interested groups and individuals who wish to see gardens created in their designated urban agriculture areas may contact MPRB Planning at planning@minneapolisparks.org to request garden construction.
November Food Council Meeting
Wednesday, November 14th | 5:00 - 7:30 pm
5:00 - 5:30 pm Pre-meeting discussion with Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)
5:30 - 7:30 pm Food Council meeting at NEON
1007 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis
Meeting Agenda
Produce Safety Rule Grower Trainings
Wednesday, December 12th | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Brooklyn Park
Monday, December 17th | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Saint Paul
Produce farmers – under the federal Produce Safety Rule, fruit & vegetable farms that grow, pack, harvest and/or hold produce and do not qualify for an exemption or exclusion need to attend a Produce Safety Rule Grower Training. However, all growers interested in learning about produce safety, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Rule are also encouraged to attend! Trainings are hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program.
More Information and Registration
The Minneapolis Health Department is Launching a Healthy Food Access Campaign
Are you or someone you know looking for low or no cost healthy food resources near you? The Minneapolis Health Department is launching a campaign to increase awareness of healthy food resources in Minneapolis. To get connected with resources, call 1-800-936-1154 or go online to hungersolutions.org/find-help/Minneapolis.
When you call or go online, you will be connected to the Minnesota Food HelpLine. Their staff will be able to provide referrals to food resources, such as SNAP benefits, stores that accept SNAP/EBT, food shelves, and farmers markets in your community. They can also screen you to identify whether you are eligible for additional resources for things like energy assistance, housing, childcare, and much more. The HelpLine is staffed from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Telephone interpretation is available.
Volunteer for MPS True Food Taste Test
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Culinary & Wellness Services is seeking volunteers for their TRUE FOOD TASTE TEST on November 14-16. They are seeking volunteers to help prepare samples, distribute them to students, and generate excitement for the taste test. Volunteer shifts take place during lunchtime, typically between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. Participating schools can be found on the True Food Taste Test webpage.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please email Farm2School@mpls.k12.mn.us. If you’re looking to volunteer at a specific school or with another person, please mention this in your email.
Apply for the District Ventures Accelerator
Are you an innovative food, beverage or health entrepreneur looking to grow your business? Take your business to the next level with the accelerator’s seventh cohort program, offering entrepreneurs a $150,000 investment in exchange for a minority equity stake from District Ventures Capital. The investment includes access to a five-month program tailored to increase your company’s sales, distribution, brand equity and ultimately your valuation through business strategy, mentorship and marketing.
Learn more and apply by November 16th
Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) Grants
Common Fund Grant - Apply by November 15th
Strategic Initiatives Grant - Apply by November 15th and April 15th
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Grants
AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant - Apply by December 5th
Good Food Access Program Equipment and Physical Improvement Grant - Apply by January 17th
MN Les Dames d'Escoffier Scholarship for Culinary Education
The Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship for Culinary Education is given to qualified female applicants pursuing fulltime academic coursework in the fields of culinary arts, hospitality, nutrition, agriculture and related areas of study. The amount of each scholarship given is a minimum of $1,000.
More Information
Make Your Thanksgiving Low Waste
Forty percent of food grown in the United States goes to waste. The majority of this food waste happens in homes due to a fear of not having enough to serve guests and because leftovers go to waste, according to a report by the Natural Resource Defense Council. Here are a few ideas to help you waste less this Thanksgiving:
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Store your produce to maximize freshness. Did you know that brussel sprouts stay fresh longer if you buy them on the stem, or that most herbs last longer if you place them in a glass of water like cut flowers? You can also freeze herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil or butter poured on top.
- Get an accurate headcount and make your Thanksgiving meal accordingly. Follow the guidelines your butcher and other resources tell you for correct serving sizes. If you are assigning dishes for people to bring, let them know the number of people they will be serving so they can plan accordingly, too!
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Environmental Education Lead - Apply by November 26th
The Good Acre
Operations Manager - Apply by November 30th
Minnesota State Horticultural Society
Garden-in-a-box Program Coordinator
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