"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.

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.

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

Healthy Cornerstores
In many urban and rural areas of MN, residents have little access to grocery stores and must rely on small corner stores to purchase their groceries. IATP partners with the MN Department of Health, produce distributors and corner store owners to increase access to fresh produce at corner stores across the state.

Homegrown Minneapolis
Initiated by Mayor R. T. Rybak, the Homegrown Minneapolis Initiative aims to increase the production, distribution and consumption of locally grown foods in the city of Minneapolis. In collaboration with city agencies and community partners, IATP is working to support changes in city policies, practices and related avenues to build Minneapolis' local food system.

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

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, particularly by supporting farmer education and outreach on season extension strategies aimed at increasing the volume and variety of local fruit and vegetable production.

Farm to School in Minnesota: A Survey of School Foodservice Leaders
March 9, 2010 | Report| PDF

Farm to school efforts double in Minnesota
March 9, 2010 | Press release| PDF

IATP applauds first lady Michelle Obama’s initiative on childhood obesity January 22, 2010 | Press release| PDF

IATP congratulates Wayzata Public Schools nutrition leader for national award January 11, 2010 | Press release| PDF

Healthy Food for All Exploring how cornerstores around the U.S. are providing healthier food options. August, 2009 | PDF

How to Bring Healthier Food to Corner Stores August 4, 2009 | Press release | PDF

New Healthy WIC Foods Available in Minnesota August 1 July 29, 2009 | Press release | PDF

IATP Congratulates Abbott Northwestern on Healthy Food Initiative July 23, 2009 | Press release | PDF

IATP Applauds Mayor, City Council on Local Food Initiative June 26, 2009 | Press release | PDF

A Dozen Mini Farmers Markets Bring Local Produce to Minneapolis Neighborhoods July 20, 2009 | Press release | PDF

Faith Communities and Healthy Eating: Issues and Opportunities for Moving Forward in Minnesota
May 2009 | Local Foods program | PDF

Faith and Food: Action Strategies for Healthy Eating
May 2009 | David Rosmann and Heather Schoonover | PDF

A "How-to" Guide for Hosting Mini Farmers Markets in Minneapolis
July 2009 | IATP | PDF

IATP's JoAnne Berkenkamp discusses farm to school initiatives and local foods on KFAI's Localicious!
Part 1   Part 2

KFAI | December 20, 2009 | JoAnne Berkenkamp | mp3

Feb. 1: Mary Cheh on Fighting Obesity with “Healthy Schools”

Jan. 28: USDA Grant to Create Healthy Urban Food Enterprise Development Center in Arkansas

Jan. 13: Breaking Through the Asphalt: Food Policy Councils

Jan. 6: The facts about food and farming

Oct. 29: Ag Subcommittee Examines Farm Bill Specialty Crop Provisions

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

Subscribe to Sow The Seeds Newsletter View archives

Have a question or comment about Local Foods' work? Drop us a line!