Brightside Produce

BrightSide Produce is a Twin Cities-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that makes fresh produce more available in urban areas. Our mission is to help create a society where everyone has reliable access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. BrightSide was founded in 2014 as a collaboration between North Minneapolis youth and a university professor. Our operations continue to catalyze the energy of university students, recent graduates, and community youth to contribute toward a more equitable local food system. 

For over 6 years, BrightSide has  provided corner stores in Minneapolis with an affordable fresh fruit and vegetable distribution service. For many Minneapolis residents in underserved neighborhoods, convenience stores are often the only grocery retail option within an accessible distance. However, these small stores have historically struggled to source affordable, high-quality produce to offer to their customers. BrightSide's efforts improve consistent access to  fresh produce for thousands of community members while supporting small local businesses, many of which are BIPOC-owned. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd protests in 2020, BrightSide began offering home deliveries of fresh produce throughout the Twin Cities. We run a weekly "Pay What You Can" produce delivery service. Recipients are referred to us through community organizations, churches, and clinics, and pay whatever they can afford. Weekly donation subscriptions fill in the gaps to help us cover the costs. BrightSide also offers a home delivery program where recipients pay a "food justice surcharge" that helps support our corner store operations, including paying our youth employees a fair wage. BrightSide also partners with numerous community organizations to distribute fresh produce and reduce urban food insecurity.

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do or to subscribe to one of our programs.