Category: Local Focus
More Than Ever, Where Our Food Comes From Matters
When the COVID-19 pandemic was in full force last summer, it created unexpected challenges across the economy, but especially for local food growers and makers. They faced reduced markets as a result of restaurants, schools, corporate campuses, and other buyers being closed. That’s why Lakewinds joined other food-minded organizations and created “Local Food is Essential,” … Continued
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 Perennial Revolution
Kernza® perennial grain is an environmentally friendly, soil-enriching, carbon-capturing perennial wheatgrass with the potential to change agriculture. Farmers growing Kernza are excited about how growing this grain instead of traditional annual wheat can change their land and business for the better. Luke Peterson of A-Frame Farm is a veteran grower who is already seeing changes … 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
How Mushrooms are Grown
It’s well known that mushrooms are nutritious (and many of us certainly find them delicious), but have you ever asked yourself how mushrooms are grown? We often lump them in with other vegetables when talking about nutrition, even though mushrooms don’t come from plants like carrots or lettuce. Not even a little bit. Mushrooms … 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
Proper Produce Storage
Proper produce storage is important because fresh fruits and veggies are a vital part of our daily diet. They’re also some of the most perishable items on your shopping list. Here are some easy, money-saving tricks to help your produce last longer, speed up your meal prep, and reduce how often you need to pick … Continued
Top 10 Daily Hacks for a Green Lifestyle
Each April, people around the world mark Earth Day and look at ways to help the planet. If you’re looking for new ideas, here are 10 hacks for a green lifestyle for you to try! Remember, when choosing to live green, it’s all about small steps and little choices vs. getting caught up in doing everything … Continued