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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.
July 2020
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In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the ongoing global pandemic, we remain committed to food justice and equity in our work and the food system and to continuing to listen, learn, and strive for the changes needed to grow a more equitable, just and resilient food system and community.
Minneapolis City Council Declares Racism a Public Health Emergency
More information
Homegrown Minneapolis moves to Minneapolis Health Department
Over the last six years, the Homegrown Minneapolis (HGM) initiative has resided in the Minneapolis City Coordinator's Division of Sustainability. As Homegrown Minneapolis has expanded its impact through the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council and taken on new partnerships and projects, there has been increased collaboration with the Health Department’s staff and programs. Officially in July, Homegrown Minneapolis has become part of the Health Department’s Policy and Healthy Communities division. Homegrown Minneapolis work to support the Food Council, Garden Lease Program, Food Action Plan, farmers markets, food justice and security and other projects will continue.
More information about Homegrown Minneapolis
Farmers Markets of MPLS Collaborative is 2020 Hennepin County Farm Family of the Year
More information
Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic EBT for Children
Food benefits application deadline extended until July 31. Receive $425 per child through P-EBT and Summer P-EBT for children eligible for reduced priced meals.
Apply now
SNAP-EBT Online Ordering and Delivery Now Available
More information
Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council August Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
5:30 pm online meeting
612-276-6670 Conference ID: 771 824 220#
Hennepin County Grants for Refrigerators and Freezers
Grant funding is available to help food shelves and meal programs buy freezers and refrigerators. The two focuses with these grants are:
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to increase capacity (rather than just manage what has already been coming in) and
- to help capture food that would otherwise go to waste
The grants of up to $10,000 cannot be used to replace existing freezers, and the freezers must be Energy Star-certified. Please see the bottom of page 5 of the grant guidelines for more details. We can help develop grant proposals and provide technical assistance. Applications will be accepted until late November. Please email nancy.lo@hennepin.us for assistance.
Learn more and apply
Hennepin County CARES Funds for Food Insecurity
Please note the short timeline for applications: Due August 1, 2020
This grant is funded by the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Through this grant, Hennepin County will provide financial support to organizations providing food access to communities impacted by COVID-19. The maximum grant award amount will range from $7000 to $50,000 per organization. Award amounts may vary depending on the type of food being distributed, frequency of distribution, size of the population served, available funding, etc.
Eligible expenses must be directly related to the purchase and distribution of perishable and non-perishable food items. Strong consideration will be given to those organizations that provide culturally appropriate and/or locally sourced food items. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an allowable expense under this funding opportunity.
Questions concerning this RFA should be submitted in writing via e-mail to: jillian.kyles@hennepin.us
Learn more and review grant application
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Safe at Retail Cost Share Program
Groceries, convenience stores, bakeries, meat markets, and other retail food handlers seeking help to ensure a safe operation can apply starting August 12, 2020 for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) new Safe at Retail Cost Share Program.
Eligible businesses may be reimbursed up to $500 for the purchase of equipment and supplies that will help them comply with the Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Businesses with more than one license may be reimbursed up to $500 per license with a maximum total reimbursement of $2,000 per parent business. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application form available for downloading/printing: July 31, 2020
Applications Open: August 12, 2020
Applications Closed: August 31, 2020
For more information and to get an application form (available July 31), visit MDA’s Safe at Retail Cost-Share webpage.
Farm to School Grant Opportunity for Schools and Food Vendors
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture anticipates awarding funds through two new Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation mini-grants to respond to the disruptions COVID-19 has caused in traditional Farm to School markets. Applications for both mini-grants will be reviewed twice monthly through August 12, or until funds run out. Funding will be prioritized to support Minnesota’s Emerging Farmers, including Black, Indigenous, Farmers of Color, beginning farmers, women, and veterans. Visit the individual school or food vendor application webpages to apply and learn more.
Local Food is Essential: Join the Movement
Learn more and take the pledge
Farmers Markets of Minneapolis
View farmers market schedules and locations.
Food Shelves in Minneapolis
View food shelf schedules and locations.
Free Food Boxes for Children through August 21 at MPS sites
Minneapolis Public Schools is offering free food to all youth this summer. Free weekly food boxes will continue to be available for pick-up through Friday, August 21. All families are invited to participate in this program. Food boxes are free for all children, 18 and under. Children do not need to be enrolled in MPS to receive food. Families can pick up food boxes at 50 schools and parks across Minneapolis, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food boxes include items to make seven breakfasts and seven lunches, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
View weekly schedule and locations for food distribution from Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis Health Department PPE Supply Request Form
Minneapolis Health Department has a form to request Personal Protective Equipment or other supplies related to COVID-19 response. Note that not all listed or requested equipment may be available.
Learn more and submit a request
Pop-up Food Distribution Survey
Pop-up food distribution organizers are encouraged to complete this survey so that the City of Minneapolis can better understand and support the capacity, plans and needs of these efforts.
Complete pop-up survey
Twin Cities Mutual Aid Locations Map
View information about volunteer opportunities and food resources.
Virtual National Food Policy Conference
July 28 - 29, 2020
Virtual National Food Policy Conference will take place online over two days with keynotes, panels, and presentations that will give attendees timely insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the food system.
More information or to register.
Hunger Solutions
Development Coordinator
The Sheridan Story
Program Coordinator
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