Co-op Blog

Shalomba Farm: Building a Sustainable Future, One Pivot at a Time 

Their plans included drilling an important well to provide water for a high tunnel (picture a tall greenhouse with a rounded canvas top), orchard, and future farm store. But as often happens in farming, unexpected challenges arose. County regulations, equipment access issues, and zoning requirements forced them to pivot—fast. The couple must now focus on improving a trail to accommodate the machinery necessary to drill their much-needed well. 

Despite the hurdles, Singo and Emily have remained flexible and forward-thinking. “It’s just like nature,” Emily said. “You never know what weather you’re going to get. You plan, and then you pivot.” 

Thanks to the Grow Local Food Fund, they’ve been able to set aside funding for the well project, which remains a cornerstone of their long-term sustainability goals. In the meantime, they’ve fast-tracked other initiatives, including a rainwater collection system and expanded pollinator gardens. Their high tunnel, hauled in by hand and built with the help from friends and neighbors, will soon be producing okra, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and greens. They’re experimenting with crops that aren’t typically grown in the region and working with local food pantries to supply fresh produce for food programs and help address food insecurity in the local community.  

Shalomba Farm is also home to a growing menagerie: chickens, ducks, goats, and honeybees. Each animal plays a role in their regenerative system, whether it is chicken eggs for Emily’s gluten-free bakery (available at Superior and Duluth Farmer’s Markets as well as their website!), goats managing brush, ducks controlling pests in the orchard, or bees supporting pollination.  

Their vision extends beyond their own farm. Singo and Emily hope to one day offer space for other aspiring farmers, especially women and people of color, to experiment and grow. “We want to build a model that others can follow,” Singosaid. “Something sustainable, something community-driven.” 

HOOP SNAKE FARM: RESTORING HISTORY AND REGENERATING LAND

But Hoop Snake Farm is more than just a barn. It’s home to many animals, including pigs, sheep, and chickens. The barn serves as a shelter for sows to farrow. On the day of Whole Foods Co-op’s visit, there was a mother who was nestled in, ready to give birth any minute. “I slept out here last night,” Madeline said, nodding towards a sleeping bag in the hay. “I want to be here when it happens.” 

The barn also provides warmth and protection for other babies on the farm, as well as a winter haven for sheep, and a hub for hay storage. It’s also a venue for community events, including concerts and fundraisers that support the local food pantry. 

Beyond fixing up the barn, the farm is looking at sustaining itself far into the future, in part by planting nut-producing trees like white oak and black walnut to create shade, habitat, and future food sources for livestock. “In 30 years, it would be wild to have black walnut-fed hogs,” Madeline said. “It would reduce reliance on imported grain and create a more self-sustaining system.” The trees were planted with support from a grant through the Cable Community Garden and Natural History Museum. 

The farm’s approach to animal care is thoughtful and hands-on. Piglets are trained to respect electric fencing, which allows for rotational grazing and minimizes environmental impact. “When pigs first encounter electric wire, they run forward, so we train them in a controlled space first,” Madeline explained. Rotational grazing also supports soil health and allows cover crops to thrive behind the animals. 

With deep respect for the land’s history and a clear vision for its future, Hoop Snake Farm is cultivating more than crops—it’s growing community, resilience, and a legacy of stewardship.

When you round up for GIVE!, a portion of your donation goes to support the Grow Local Food Fund, and our regional farms and food producers, like Hoop Snake Farm. Thank you for rounding up!

Connect with Hoop Snake Farm on Instagram and Facebook: @hoopsnakefarm 

NATIVE WISE: RESTORING LAND, RAISING BISON, AND BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Native Wise’s bison are unique—they come from natural preserves and don’t carry cattle genes. David is also planning to cross his herd with wood bison, which are more naturally suited to the region. “Historically, wood bison would’ve been here, along with moose and caribou,” he said. “It’s about restoring what would’ve naturally existed.” 

One of the biggest undertakings at Native Wise has been fencing. With support from the Grow Local Food Fund, David has been able to expand the fencing system by another mile, allowing for rotational grazing and protecting sensitive areas like a river cutting through the property from erosion. “We’ve been working on this project since spring,” he explained. “There’s a lot of brush to clear and posts to set, but we’re almost done.” 

The fencing isn’t just functional—it’s built to last. David is investing in quality materials, including sturdy wood posts at the corners, with the goal of creating infrastructure that will serve the farm for generations. His 8-year-old son has even pitched in, making it a true family effort. 

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.

Whole Foods Co-op and Resource Renew Celebrate Compost Partnership

Compost is a nutrient-rich addition to any garden. Previously known as Garden Green, Premium Compost is a special compost created from local food scraps and yard waste and  is processed right here in Duluth at Resource Renew, the brand of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District. Premium Compost is available seasonally at both Whole Foods Co-op stores.