Month: October 2025

With SNAP and other government assistance programs in jeopardy, we recognize that many members of our community may be impacted by food insecurity.  

Whole Foods Co-op remains a committed partner to regional food assistance programs, donating an average of $2,700 worth of food each week to local shelters, food shelves and on-site meal programs.  

In addition, starting Nov. 1, Whole Foods Co-op is accepitng donations to Second Harvest Northland at our registers, with 100% of donations being given to the nonprofit.

For those looking for assistance

There are a number of organizations in Duluth who provide direct assistance. A short list of some of Duluth resources includes:  

• Chum Food Shelf 
• Community Action Duluth 
• Damiano Center 
• Second Harvest Northland 
• Union Gospel Mission 
• In addition, Ecolibrium3 regularily updates a Food Resources Calendar, a containing the names, locations, and hours for community food shelves, grocery pick ups, meal drop-offs, hot meals, and take-out meal opportunities. It also categorizes food resources by their relevance to older adults, youth, and SNAP card holders.

For those looking to help

The above nonprofits all take monetary donations. In the month of November you may also donate directly to Second Harvest at our cash registers.

If you’d like to contact your elected officials to advocate on behalf of SNAP shoppers to keep receiving their benefits regardless of whether the government remains shutdown, you can find their contact information by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and telling them your address, or by looking up your legislators on GovTrack.US (scroll down to find the look-up tool).  

When you call, a staffer will answer and write down your comments to share with the Congressperson.  

You may use the following script, which may be modified as you’d like: 

My name is [____]. I am deeply concerned about the insufficient federal funding for SNAP. Due to the shutdown, I am asking the [Congressman/woman/person] to urge USDA Secretary Rollins to release funds available to USDA in the SNAP Contingency Reserve to be used to fund November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, please urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority to fully fund November benefits. 

Thank you for your concern and engagement around this issue. 

A LEADER IN NATURAL AND ORGANIC DISTRIBUTION IN THE HEART OF MINNESOTA

Distributors are a crucial behindthe-scenes aspect of the grocery supply chain. They create a central spot where farmers and food producers can bring their food to then be efficiently dispersed across a region to individual stores. Whole Foods Co-op partners with several distributors, including fellow cooperative Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW).

Founded in 1999, CPW was developed by Edward Brown as an offshoot of his work as produce manager at the Wedge. CPW, part of today’s Twin Cities Co-op Partners, aims to offer higher-quality local and organic wholesale options Early on, CPW became a certified organic handler and has since focused on carrying organic produce, selling approximately $25 million worth of organic produce each year. Based in St. Paul, CPW started off by collaborating with The Wedge Coop, Seward Co-op, and Lakewinds Co-op. Over 20 years later, CPW has grown to serve over 400 clients, including Whole Foods Co-op.

Many popular local products are distributed through CPW. Even some of Whole Foods Co-op’s hyper-local products pass through CPW prior to landing on our shelves.

While this may seem like an extra step, it’s actually a great opportunity for local businesses to concentrate their efforts and benefit from a larger distribution network. It enables businesses to make one trip to drop off their products versus driving to dozens of individual stores. Small organizations can focus their time on other aspects of their business.

The system also creates efficiencies for grocery stores, like Whole Foods Co-op, where instead of ordering hundreds of products with hundreds of individual farmers and producers, the Co-op can work with a single entity.

Whole Foods Co-op shoppers benefit from the partnership with CPW. “We’re lucky to have a local distributer in our area,” said Brandon, Hillside Grocery Assistant Manager, “It creates an efficiency for ordering local products that not all co-ops have access to. It helps bring even more foods from Minnesota and Wisconsin to our community.”

In some instances, small businesses get their start at Whole Foods Co-op, and as sales grow, they’re able to leverage their strong sales and experiences to secure a spot with CPW. “It’s a good indicator that their business is growing,” said Brandon, “A local producer’s first step is direct ordering with local businesses like us, but the next step is working with a distributor to scale up your business. All good things!”

CPW can be a big step up for local producers on their journey to expand their reach and CPW values these relationships with local farmers and producers. Joleen Baker, CPW Director, shared, “The more we do to be better stewards to the partnerships, the better the relationships.”

In addition to taking care of their vendors, CPW’s foundations in the cooperative movement foster a strong sense of community responsibility. The organization contributes to the local area by donating to neighborhood food shelves and pantries. Additionally, the warehouse supports local farmers and producers through fair trade practices and direct sourcing. By prioritizing these values, the company not only enhances the quality of its products but also strengthens local economies, ensuring that profits remain local.