"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.

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 and Jean Ronnei of the Minnesota School Nutrition Association talk about local food and school lunch programs.
Audio Interview

WCCO Radio | December 2008 | JoAnne Berkenkamp

Jan. 13: Marler Clark: the Top Ten Food Safety Challenges of 2009

Jan. 13: State Senate to revamp agriculture committee

Jan. 11: Is local food safe(r)?

Jan. 10: Farm-to-School bills ˜a tasty end-of-the-year treat

Jan. 10: Milk concerns remain; Trade on back burner, domestic dissent heard at meeting;

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

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