The Good Acre

Thriving perfectly encapsulates our work for 2023. We achieved record-breaking numbers, with $1,943,179 (and still counting) spent with 142 farmers and food producers this year as of today. These numbers represent tangible economic impact and growth for farm families made possible by community supporters like you. Our success is best illustrated by our farm partners who are at the heart of our updated mission to unlock economic opportunities for farmers in our region through a unique combination of personalized support and market development.

To help illustrate our work, we are sharing the power of our farm partners and aggregation through the lens of the common carrot. This year we have purchased an impressive $67,000 worth of carrots, equivalent to a whopping 40,000 pounds! What makes this achievement truly remarkable is the source of these delicious, locally-grown carrots. They haven't come from a single, large-scale farm; rather, they are the result of the incredible power of aggregation from a dozen different farmers, including Robert Lor and Chong Mua (pictured below), and ten other farmers growing in places like Cambridge and Pine Island. We have demonstrated that collective efforts can bring about meaningful economic impact. 

We are also making a tangible difference in the lives of local farmers and the quality of food our community enjoys. These vibrant orange gems, along with 136 other varieties of produce, have found their way into the kitchens, cafeterias, and shelves of many customers, including K-12 schools and hunger relief partners across the Twin Cities Metro Area. Together, we can ensure that local and equitable food is not an exception but a representation of the countless lives transformed by our mission.

There are numerous ways you can participate in supporting us for Give to the Max Day outside of making your donation today. Check out the map below for more info about our community partners where your purchase of beer, soup, and soup can help support our mission! 

Wooden Ship Brewing – starting Nov 16th, a portion of the sales of their newest release Secret Ingredient, will go to support our mission. The secret ingredient is… carrot tops sourced from TGA! This brew finished at 6.1% ABV. Owner and brewer at Wooden Ship, Josh Oestreich calls it “a very drinkable beer, with a slight nod to carrots. You get a little dry earthiness and bitterness from the tops, without the overly sweet taste of carrot juice.”

Honey & Rye – Donating 100% of proceeds from their amazing carrot cake starting on Monday, November 13th through the 16th.

Simpls – Donating a portion of sales from Beth Dooley’s Carrot Bisque recipe starting November 16th. Visit www.Simpls.com to order! 

Thank you to our matching sponsors Land O'Lakes and TGA Board Members.