Six Minnesota grocers who promote locally grown and produced products have been named a 2023 Retailer of the Year by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Minnesota Grown program, in partnership with the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA).

This year’s winners include:

• Northwest: Lueken’s Village Foods, Bemidji
• Northeast: Chris’ Food Center, Sandstone
• West Central: Pine River Family Market, Pine River
• Southwest: Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Waconia
• Twin Cities: Kowalski’s, White Bear Lake
• People’s Choice: Knowlan’s Supermarket, Maplewood

“We thank these grocers and their employees for their leadership in highlighting locally grown foods for their customers,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Minnesota-grown products are essential in providing fresh and nutritious foods to communities across the state.”

MDA and MGA staff will be presenting the awards in-person at a MGA event this spring, and will be conducting a Retailer of the Year tour to visit each of the winning stores. The retailers in their respective regions will receive a commemorative plaque, exclusive rights to use the “Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year 2023” logo in their ads and displays, as well as recognition amongst retailers and consumers that they are champions of all things local.

Judging was based on several factors, including the number of Minnesota Grown products and the number of Minnesota Grown farmers and producers that the grocer carried. Judges also looked at how the grocer used ads, displays, social media, and other events to promote Minnesota Grown items to customers.

“Grocers are the foundation of the communities they serve and are incredibly proud of our innovative local partnerships from farm to fork,” said MGA President Jamie Pfuhl. “The success of the Minnesota Grown program is driven by the exceptional efforts of all in the food industry. We are proud to play a role in this collective effort that showcases and celebrates innovative partnerships and brings wonderful local products to our customers.”

The 2023-2024 contest opens on August 1, 2023, and runs through September 30, 2023. Information about how to participate is available on the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year webpage.

The Minnesota Grown Program is a statewide partnership between the MDA and Minnesota producers of specialty crops and livestock. It was created over 30 years ago by specialty crop growers to differentiate their produce from produce grown thousands of miles away.

The Minnesota Grocers Association is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of Minnesota from farm to fork. It has served the industry for over 125 years, with over 300 retail, manufacturer, and wholesale members supporting nearly 1,300 locations statewide. MGA member companies employ over 150,000 union and non-union Minnesotans. It actively advances the common interest of all those engaged in any aspect of the food industry as a leader and advocate in government affairs.

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us

Minnesota Grown, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) “buy local” program, is participating in National CSA Week from February 20 through 26 to encourage participation in CSAs (community supported agriculture).

A CSA is a farm membership system that allows consumers to sign up to receive a season’s worth of a farm’s products (such as fruits and vegetables, cheese, meat, or flowers) on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Many offer products throughout the summer growing season; however, there are winter or year-round CSAs available to consumers. A CSA subscription is also an active way to support local farmers and get to know the people that grow and raise your local foods.

National CSA Week is hosted by the CSA Innovation Network, a national network for local CSA farms. During this week, Minnesota Grown will feature in-depth profiles of local CSA farmers on their website and social media accounts, along with information about different types of CSAs available to Minnesotans.

Minnesota Grown makes locating CSAs easy through its online directory, which lists 95 CSA farms with over 375 pick-up locations around the state. The number of pick-up sites listed in the directory has more than doubled in the past two years, making it even more convenient to source fresh, local, and affordable foods.

Farmers attest to how CSA members contribute in more ways than dollars. “Whenever the work is exceptionally hard, or the weather is exceptionally bad, knowing the people who are fed by our hard work makes it all worthwhile,” shared Janaki Fisher-Merritt of Food Farm in Wrenshall. “Being able to repay their support with the highest quality food makes this the most rewarding work a person could ask for." 

Minnesota Grown member Sprout MN runs a multi-farm food hub in Little Falls. Food Hub Director Jessie Bavelli said, “The direct connections between consumers and producers formed through CSA contribute to stronger economies, healthy members of our community, and a more resilient agriculture system and environment.”                                                                 

Minnesota Grown spokesperson Rachel Wandrei says since each CSA program is unique in what it offers, it’s a good idea to review the options in the online directory to find what is right for you or your family. “Some CSAs offer smaller shares for folks living alone or in couples, some offer eggs, baked goods, or flower bouquet add-ons, while others are choose-your-own or customizable,” she said. “Most importantly, pick a CSA with a convenient pick-up location, and be ready to enjoy what is in season!”

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Media Contact
Logan Schumacher, MDA Communications
651-201-6193
Logan.Schumacher@state.mn.us