"More than ever, people today want to know where their food was grown, how and by whom. Interest in local and sustainably produced food has never been higher. We support local food systems that fairly compensate farmers, strengthen local communities, enhance the environment and make healthy food available to all."

—JoAnne Berkenkamp
Director, IATP Local Foods Program

IATP works to build thriving local food systems in the Upper Midwest and around the world by strengthening small- and medium-scale sustainable farming, expanding market opportunities for farmers, creating innovative partnerships and advancing supportive policy change.

Mini Farmers Markets
IATP partners with community organizations to host small farmers markets in Minneapolis neighborhoods that lack access to fresh, local produce.

Value Chain Development
IATP develops strategies for expanding markets for locally and regionally grown foods and building local food systems infrastructure.

Healthy School Food
IATP works to expand the use of sustainably and locally grown foods in K-12 schools and support healthier eating habits among school children.

Food Assistance Innovation
IATP promotes reforming government food assistance programs, like food stamps and the WIC program, to broaden access to healthy foods.

Food and Faith
IATP works with faith communities to support healthy eating, sustainable food production, good nutrition and improved food access.

Sow the Seeds
Sow the Seeds advances sustainable agriculture in the Upper Midwest. Our 2008 "Local Longer" campaign supports season extension strategies for fruits and vegetables.

Faith Communities and Healthy Eating: Issues and Opportunities for Moving Forward in Minnesota: This report explores the potential for faith communities to be change agents in supporting healthy eating in Minnesota communities.
May 2009 | Local Foods program | PDF

Faith and Food: Action Strategies for Healthy Eating: Faith organizations throughout the United States are building community—and healthier lives—by making healthy foods available to their members and others.
May 2009 | David Rosmann and Heather Schoonover | PDF

Healthy Food Access in Minneapolis: Initial Conversations with Residents: Many Minneapolis residents lack easy access to healthy food.
January 2009 | Carla Kaiser | PDF

Food Stamps, Food Security and Public Health: Lessons from Minnesota: Federal food programs could work better to provide greater access to healthy food.
July 2008 | Carla Kaiser | PDF

IATP's Mini-Market Project fact sheet: Mini farmers markets are bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income communities in Minneapolis.
August 2008 | Heather Schoonover | PDF

A "How-to" Guide for Hosting Mini Farmers Markets in Minneapolis: Simple tools for setting up mini farmers markets.
July 2008 | IATP | PDF

IATP's JoAnne Berkenkamp discusses faith communities, local foods and IATP's new report, Faith and Food: Action Strategies for Healthy Eating, with Jim Wishner.
Audio Interview

AM 950 | May 2009 | JoAnne Berkenkamp

Jun. 25: Healthy eating is more than what goes in your mouth

Jun. 25: Faith and fresh vegetables

Jun. 22: Silver lining for Mid-Sized Farmers: “Ag in the Middle” finds avenues within Compass Group accounts

Jun. 20: Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer

Jun. 15: Opinion: Eating with principle; choices aren't simple

Agobservatory is IATP's web site for the latest news, reports and analysis on the environment and agriculture

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