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What is the Grow Local Food Fund?
The Grow Local Food Fund (GLFF) is a branch of the Whole Foods Co-op GIVE! program. GLFF is a grant that provides funding for projects that build the resiliency of our local food economy.
Our current focus supports these categories: emerging growers, emerging food producers, established growers, and established food producers in our community.
Grow Local Food Fund
2024 Grantees
Berg Park Farm
$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
Bread in the Meadow
$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
Downtime Farm
$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
Food Farm
$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
Hermit Creek Farm
$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
Lift Bridge Bagels
$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
Muddy Trails Farm
$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
Spirit Lake Native Farms
$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
GLFF Prior Grantees
Apply For Funding
See What We’re Looking to Fund
New Projects
That help a farm or food producer scale its offerings
Improvements
To facilities or purchases that increase productivity or efficiency
New Equipment
The purchase of new equipment, materials, and more
Long-Term
Investments
Such as equipment for use over multiple growing seasons
Selection Process
Criteria and Application Scoring
Whole Foods Co-op assembles a Selection Committee with members that represent different roles and perspectives in our community.
Below are the criteria for the grant application scoring process. Each section includes a percentage for how much weight is given.
Scales Local Food Production
Project will increase access to locally grown and/or produced nutritious food for our community. Business must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin, with preference given to businesses in the Lake Superior Bioregion (counties that border Lake Superior).
Long-Term Investment
Project will contribute to a long-term investment in the business. Examples include investing in equipment or techniques that will improve climate resiliency, or acquiring equipment or supplies for ongoing use. Items like general operating expenses, packaging, seeds, etc., are generally not considered long-term investments.
Project Feasibility
Applicant demonstrates their capability to execute the project successfully. The application includes detailed plans, and the business owners or collaborators have relevant expertise.
Contributes to Environmental Stability
Project will promote organic practices, local sourcing, and regenerative sustainability, ensuring responsible management of air, soil, and water.
Viability to Ensure Project Success
Overall business is viable and GLFF grant dollars will complement additional resources, either contributed directly through the applicant’s business or other grants, loans, etc., to ensure project success.
Reliance on GLFF Grant
Gives priority to projects that contribute to a long-term investment in a business, such as acquiring equipment for use over multiple growing seasons or production cycles, rather than focusing on items like general operating expenses, packaging, or marketing.
Resources
Need more information? Check out the links to the right!
Interested in donations or sponsorships? Head over to our Donations Page
The Next Application Opens in January 2025
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