Did you know Big River Farms (formerly Minnesota Food Association) is now a program of The Food Group?
Farming is at the forefront of what we do. Our goal in transitioning to Big River Farms is to simplify our identity after years of using both the names Minnesota Food Association and Big River Farms. Although we’ve transitioned our name, we continue our commitment to building a more just, sustainable, and equitable food system. In addition to operating our largest CSA season ever this year (over 220 members!) we are growing produce for food shelves and affordable retail programs. With many grocery stores still closed and public transit limited because of the compounding effects of COVID-19 and social unrest following the killing of George Floyd, many of our community members do not have access to healthy food. Over the past few months, we have been working with community-led efforts on the ground to meet immediate food relief needs and have also been planning longer-term food access solutions.
As a program of The Food Group, Big River Farms stands in solidarity with Twin Cities communities in our commitment to equity as, together, we process and rebuild. As our communities face a public health crisis from both the pandemic and systemic racism, we must address the roots of inequity so that everyone can live their best lives. The response of generosity and support surrounding us has been incredible – allowing us to grow and provide food for our communities and those most impacted.
We are proud of the history of Minnesota Food Association and Big River Farms. Since our establishment in 1983, we have provided education on sustainable agriculture to hundreds of farmers through our Farmer Education Program and Emerging Farmers Conference. We founded one of the first incubator farms in the country, and one of the only ones that serves farmers of all backgrounds and cultures. Over the years, we have built a reputation in our communities as a reliable source of high-quality organic produce, as well as a source for knowledge on issues that affect our food and farming systems. Thank you to all our long-time supporters and founders, current and previous staff, farmers, and volunteers for building our programs into what they are today. We are so grateful to partners like you who share in our work.
