Grow Local Food Fund

What is the Grow Local Food Fund?

Grow Local Food Fund (GLFF) is a grant that provides funding for projects that build the resiliency of our local food system. GLFF is wholly funded by shopper round-up donations through Whole Foods Co-op’s GIVE! Program.

Our current focus supports these categories: emerging growers, emerging food producers, established growers, and established food producers in our community.

Application information

Two people are working in a garden. The person on the right, wearing a green sweater and colorful earrings, is holding a cluster of broccoli, likely harvested for their Whole Foods Coop Duluth. The other person, wearing a black shirt, is focused on the plants. Green foliage and trees are visible in the background.

Grow Local Food Fund Selection Committee

GLFF applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee of Owners, local farmers and food producers, and professionals within the local food system.

Click here if you are interested in joining the GLFF Selection Committee.

2024 Grantees

A lush garden filled with green plants and wooden stakes, set against a backdrop of tall grass and trees. The sky is painted with hues of orange, yellow, and blue as the sun sets, casting a serene glow over the landscape.

Berg Park Farm

Emerging Food Producer

$7,000

Poplar, WI“I’ve worked in agriculture for over 13 years, starting on a local CSA farm before moving to Poplar, WI, where I initially rented and eventually purchased Berg Park Farm.… Read More

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A close-up of a freshly baked, golden-brown croissant with visible layers of flaky pastry, resting on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The croissant has a swirl pattern in the center, revealing its intricate, buttery layers and a hint of chocolate filling.

Bread in the Meadow

Established Food Producer

$7,000

Esko, MN “For the past 8 years, under the Minnesota Cottage Food Law, my husband, Stephen, and I have been selling bread and pastry out of our home regularly and… Read More

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A lush garden with rows of green and red lettuce plants growing in tilled soil. A person kneels down, tending to the plants. In the background, there are various green bushes and tall trees under a light, overcast sky.

Downtime Farm

Emerging Grower

$7,000

Grand Marais, MN “Our mission is to provide the local community with high quality, sustainably grown vegetables and cut flowers. Last year, after growing and selling casually for years, I… Read More

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A group of five people stands in a row on a farm, with rows of crops extending into the distance. They are dressed casually, wearing hats and sunglasses, under a sunny sky. A greenhouse and trees are in the background.

Food Farm

Established Grower

$7,000

Wrenshall, MN “Annie Dugan and I have owned this farm since 2010, though the farm operation was begun in 1976. Our passion is providing high-quality food for our community and… Read More

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A field of green crops, possibly onions, with long neat rows stretching into the distance. In the background, there are harvested crops in rows and a red hay rake. A line of trees forms the horizon under a clear blue sky.

Hermit Creek Farm

Established Grower

$7,000

High Bridge, WI “For the past 31 years, we have strived to use regenerative farming practices designed to focus on soil and ecosystem health, improvement of on-farm biological diversity, water… Read More

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Three large cardboard boxes and a small white box filled with a variety of bagels, some topped with seeds or seasonings. Two brown paper packages tied with green string are at the bottom. The boxes and packages are arranged on a gray surface.

Lift Bridge Bagels

Emerging Food Producer

$3,023

Superior, WI “I established Lift Bridge Bagels in 2020 with the desire to provide fresh, handmade bagels, made with organic and high-quality ingredients, to the Twin Ports of Duluth and… Read More

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A variety of bottles filled with amber liquids are arranged on a large, circular wooden slab. The bottles have white labels featuring a leaf design. They are displayed in a well-lit setting, possibly an outdoor market or fair.

Muddy Trails Farm

Emerging Grower

$7,000

Two Harbors, MN “Committed to sustainable living, we utilize traditional methods and handcrafted techniques to bring our community the best homemade syrup, jam, produce, and farm fresh eggs. Our mission… Read More

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A large pile of dried rice stalks is spread out, covering most of the frame. The stalks are intertwined and have varying shades of brown, tan, and gold, creating a textured and dense surface. The image appears to be taken indoors.

Spirit Lake Native Farms

Established Food Producer

$7,000

Sawyer, MN “For over two decades, Spirit Lake Native Farms has been a Minnesota-grown product and local source of pure maple syrup and wild rice. Our unwavering mission is to… Read More

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GLFF Prior Grantees

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