Category: Community
Sowing a Sustainable Future
A Check-in with the 2020 Lakewinds Organic Field Fund Recipients The Lakewinds Organic Field Fund (LOFF) is our co-op’s grant program designed to help local sustainable and organic farmers achieve their on-farm goals – with over $500,000 awarded since 2011. In 2020 alone, Lakewinds provided more than $109,000 in LOFF grants to 15 … Continued
Kernza: A Local Grain with a Big Future
Have you tried Kernza® perennial grain yet? This game-changing grain is arriving at Lakewinds this spring after winning over local farmers. Find out what makes Kernza appealing to growers, environmentalists, and cooks alike. Background A hearty, perennial crop harvested from intermediate wheatgrass, Kernza was developed by the Land Institute with help from the University of … Continued
Meet the Maker | Hacienda San Jose Chocolates
When you think of chocolate, you might not think of Minnesota. Cacao beans are not exactly a local crop! But Minnesotan Monica Jimenez knows the ins and outs of the entire chocolate-making process. Her family’s farm grows cacao beans and makes award-winning chocolate — Hacienda San Jose — in Ecuador. Standing in New Hope, Minnesota, … Continued
Our Co-op Gives Back
Community Relief Partnerships Giving back to the communities we serve has always been important at Lakewinds. As a result of the global pandemic and recent local civil unrest, the need for support services has increased in our local communities. Seeing that greater need, we’re committed to ongoing relief efforts and community support partnerships that provide … Continued
The Importance of Choosing Local
Little Big Sky Farm The COVID-19 pandemic has created unexpected challenges across the economy, but especially for local food growers and makers. They face reduced markets as a result of restaurants, schools, corporate campuses, and other buyers being closed. That’s why Lakewinds has joined with other food-minded organizations to create “Local Food is Essential,” a … Continued
Growing Community Connections
Nurturing Local Community Gardens At Lakewinds, concern for our communities is built into almost everything we do. In addition to our mission to promote sustainable agriculture, support local farmers and makers, and protect our planet, we’re committed to giving back. One way we do this is through partnerships with local school and community gardens. … Continued
Supporting Local During the Pandemic
It’s no secret that we love local food at Lakewinds. We believe that supporting local farmers and makers benefits us, the community, the economy, and the planet. However, during the pandemic many pillars of the local food system are suffering. Despite challenges, it’s still possible to continue supporting local during this challenging time. Food … Continued
Shared Bounty
Providing Access to Healthy Foods Arm in arm with our wonderful community partners, Lakewinds helps provide access to wholesome foods for those in need. Each time you shop at the co-op, you’re supporting these efforts, and we’re grateful for your patronage. We are committed to helping build a more sustainable, equitable food system and to … Continued
Healthy Soil In 5 Easy Steps
Healthy soil is an important part of our planet’s health and happiness. For such a vital pillar of environmentalism, it often doesn’t get as much attention as other important issues like reducing waste and fuel emissions. Yet, without healthy soil we can’t grow organic produce or raise healthy animals. Without healthy soil our beautiful green … Continued