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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.
April 2020
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During this challenging time for our local and global community, we wish you good health, peace and access to good, healthy food. This newsletter contains resources for getting good, local food and supporting your community.
COVID-19 Information & Updates
City of Minneapolis COVID-19 Response and Resources
As the City of Minneapolis works to shift our operations to remote work, we are also working to respond to the questions and needs of our residents and businesses. The City has a dedicated Coronavirus page that is being updated regularly as new information comes in.
The state of Minnesota also has two dedicated COVID-19 hotlines: Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
City’s new gap funding will help renters, small businesses and workers affected by the pandemic
Learn more and learn about other City support for businesses.
Food Resources
City of Minneapolis Food Shelves
View an up-to-date interactive map and PDF list of food shelves currently operating in Minneapolis, as well as resources to find meal sites near you on our Homegrown Food Shelves in Minneapolis webpage.
Minneapolis Public Schools Meal Sites
Minneapolis Public Schools is providing students with meals while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 virus. Please visit this webpage for up-to-date information about meal pick-up locations.
North Market Update
North Market grocery store continues to operate during this time and is taking action steps to best meet the needs and address the safety concerns of staff, neighbors and customers. Please visit their website for more further information, updates and schedules.
Pillsbury United Communities Food Distribution Sites
In need of some extra food support during this time? Free food resources are available at three Pillsbury United Community Centers in Minneapolis, including grab-and-go food bags and packaged lunches/dinners to-go. Visit this posting for more information.
Greater Twin Cities United Way Emergency Fund
Greater Twin Cities United Way and other local organizations are stepping up to launch emergency funds to support local nonprofits providing food, childcare, housing and other critical services to a growing number of people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about United Way's COVID-19 fund on their website.
Additionally, If you or someone you know is in need, dial 2-1-1 or text the letters MNCOVID to 898-211. 211 is serving as the contact point for families in the Minneapolis Public School District. Local families with questions about food distribution sites given school closures or childcare questions are directed to call 211. For more information, visit the United Way 211 website.
April Food Council Meeting Canceled
Due to the current COVID19 situation, the April Food Council meeting has been canceled along with all other City Board and Commission meetings. Updates on future meetings will be shared when available on the City's calendar and through the Homegrown Minneapolis newsletter.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Information on COVID-19
The MDA has compiled information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and food and agriculture. Their webpage will continue to be updated as information changes.
Guidelines for Community Gardening during COVID-19
The current Minnesota Stay at Home Executive Order allows for community gardening, as long as safety guidelines are followed. If possible to delay starting seasonal gardening activities, this is preferable. Please follow these gardening guidelines. Please share these recommendations and this poster on physical distancing with your community gardening group or network, or post on your garden’s bulletin board. Email Claire.Baglien@minneapolismn.gov if you don’t have access to a printer or are not able to share those resources electronically.
Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Update
Farmers markets have been named a critical service in Minnesota and some are still operating winter markets with required safety modifications and guidelines. Markets will begin opening for the spring/summer season in May. Visit the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis page for more information, and check individual market websites and social media pages for any schedule changes or updates.
Ways to Support Food Needs Locally
Food and Monetary Donations
For restaurants, food distributors and organizations looking to donate surplus food, two programs currently collecting perishable foods are Minnesota's Central Kitchen and Second Harvest Heartland's Meal Connect.
Additionally, Second Harvest Heartland, partner to many food shelves across MN, is always accepting monetary donations. This is a great way to support from a distance.
For more information and guidelines on food donations, visit the City of Minneapolis Health Department's webpage.
Volunteers Needed - The Food Group
The Food Group MN is currently mobilizing volunteers (16 years old+) daily for packing and sorting food in their New Hope warehouse ONLY. Additional guidelines are in place to ensure safety of all participants as we meet the rising need for emergency food distribution to our community. For more information and for volunteer sign-up, visit their website.
Buy Local while Social Distancing
During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Cooks and the Farmers Union are partnering with Minnesota Grown to compile updates on direct purchasing from farmers and producers across the state and ensure the most up-to-date information across organizations. It’s more important than ever that we support our local farmers! View the Buying Local while Social Distancing webpage for more information and to find local products.
Call for Donations - Minneapolis American Indian Center
Chef Brian Yazzie in partnership with Minneapolis American Indian Center is currently serving 175 elders and looks to expand to feeding the native community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative was made possible by a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant, however additional help with ingredients and funds are needed and appreciated. Items to donate include dried ingredients, perishable foods, fozen/fresh meats, produce, natural sweeteners, to-go containers, face masks, gloves, and aprons, as well as monetary funds. For details and to learn how to help, view this letter from Chef Brian Yazzie or contact him at brian@yazziethechef.com or cell phone number (651)724-3553.
Monetary donations can be made through paypal: paypal.me/yazziethecook
Supply donations can be dropped off at the Minneapolis American Indian Center:
1530 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Neighbor Loaves - Artisan Grain Collaborative
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Artisan Grain Collaborative has launched a program to highlight the importance of regional food systems and to support area farmers, millers, bakers, and eaters. Neighbor Loaves of bread are made with at least 50% locally grown and milled grain, baked upon your online purchase and donated to a participating food pantry or community feeding organization. Find out more information about this program on their website. Check out the participating Minneapolis location online, Baker's Field Flour and Bread.
This is a good time for baking bread!
Whole Wheat Loaf Recipe
Recipe: Beth Dooley
Photo credit: Mette Nielsen
Makes 1 round loaf
The best bread is made with the freshest flour; you can order Baker’s Field Flour & Bread on-line or find it in our Natural Food Co-ops.
- 1 cups lukewarm water, or more as needed
- ¼ cup honey
- 2-1/2 teaspoons, or 1 packet, active dry yeast
- 3-1/2 to 4 cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ teaspoon sunflower oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
In a large bowl, stir together the water, honey, yeast, and 1 cup of the flour. Set aside until bubbles appear on the surface, about 10 minutes. Stir in the 3-1/2 cups of flour, oil and salt to make a soft, pliable dough. Sprinkle flour on a clean surface, turn the dough out onto the surface and knead, dusting the dough and surface with more flour to keep from sticking. Continue kneading until the dough is the constancy of your earlobe, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Set the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean dish towel, and set in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 1 hour. With your fist, punch the dough down in the center. Allow the dough to rise a second time, about 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Turn the dough out onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Using your hands, shape the dough into a round and allow it to rest about 15 to 25 minutes. Bake the bread until it looks crusty and sounds hollow when tapped, about 40 to 50 minutes. Remove and set on a wire rack to cool. Store the bread in a perforated plastic bag at room temperature.
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Gardening Opportunities & Resources
Spark-Y Plant Sale
Plan your Resilience Garden with Spark-Y! Order plants online now through April 30th for curbside pick-up. Shop the 2020 plant pre-sale now. All proceeds support STEM education for Minnesota youth
Minnesota Green Program Plants and Seeds - Minnesota State Horticultural Society
Are you part of a public or community garden plot? Apply online, pay $55 and enjoy donated annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and seeds for a full year!
The Minnesota Green Program promotes community gardening as a means to strengthen neighborhoods through activities that connect people and plants and help people grow their own healthy food. The program partners with generous donors, including growers, garden centers, nonprofit groups and private individuals to provide seeds, plants, gardening tools and supplies to community and public gardens. Applications are open. Learn more about this opportunity
Minneapolis Community Garden Compost
Community gardens located in the City of Minneapolis may apply for low or no-cost compost. Compost deliveries begin in May and end in November, weather permitting. Compost and compost deliveries are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. However, community gardens that have never received compost, have poor soil quality, or are start-up gardens will get priority.
Application request deadline for spring: April 17, 2020
Learn more about this opportunity
Grant Opportunities and Relief Funds
Minneapolis Foundation OneMPLS Fund
Learn more
Farmer Relief Fund - American Farmland Trust
To help directly support farmers impacted by the current crisis, American Farmland Trust is launching a new Farmer Relief Fund. Eligible applicants include any small and mid-size direct-market producers. Applications are now being accepted.
Deadline: April 23, 2020
Learn more about this opportunity and apply here
Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MALEC)
MAELC looks to award grants supporting programming for agricultural, food and natural resource education at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels.
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Strategic Initiative Grants
USDA Grants
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The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
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Farmers Market Promotion Program
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Local Food Promotion Program
MDA and Minnesota Grocers Association - Wholesale Market Need Survey
Minnesota Department of Agriculture in partnership with Minnesota Grocers Association is trying to ID farmers who have lost wholesale markets due to restaurant, institutional food service, and school closings. Visit this survey link for more information.
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Assistant Manager - Full-time
EBT Intern - Part-time
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