Concern for Community

Over the last four decades, our grant programs, food donations, paid staff volunteer service hours and other giving projects have built community gardens, fed hungry families, brought local produce into our kids’ classrooms, expanded fresh food access and much, much more. We’re committed to building a strong, equitable food system for all.

Currently, our community giving dollars are rebuilding and investing in our neighborhoods, addressing the hunger crisis, and uplifting our Black, Indigenous, Immigrant, Refuge and other communities of Color. We are not currently issuing in-kind donations for events or community groups, but instead focusing our resources on larger initiatives that have great impacts on our community.

Check back here for updates on the work that we’re doing in our community.

Change Matters

Our Change Matters program generates thousands of dollars for local community-enrichment organizations through small change donations collected at the registers. Our Product Partners program boosts donations through partnerships with co-op vendors who donate a portion of their sales. Simply round up your purchases or shop the featured products at the Wedge or Linden Hills Co-op to make a lasting impact in your community.

In 2022, we’re focusing our Change Matters efforts on three key initiatives:

  • Empowering Black, Indigenous, and other communities of Color
  • Supporting organizations working in hunger relief
  • Supporting up-and-coming farmers of Color through partnerships with local farm associations

2022 CHANGE MATTERS RECIPIENTS

MONTH ORGANIZATION TOTAL RAISED PRODUCT PARTNER TOTAL RAISED
January Big River Farms (A program of The Food Group) $8,747.75 From the Ground Up Snacks is donating 25 cents per product sold, and Four Sigmatic is donating 50 cents per product sold during January. $206.25
February Du Nord Foundation’s Community Market $7,479.03 Ferndale Market is donating 5% of total sales during February. $621.91
March Hmong American Farmers Association $8,823.43 Seven Sundays is donating $1 per product sold during March. $255
April Neighborhood Youth Academy Klean Kanteen is donating $1 per product sold, and Peace Coffee is donating 50 cents per product sold (bulk & packaged) during April.
May Haven Housing
Ancient Nutrition is donating $1 per product sold during May.
June The Link Big Watt Beverage Co is donating 10% of total sales and Nordic Naturals is donating $1 per product sold during June.
July Sharing Our Roots Bizzy Coffee and Gustola Granola are donating $1 per product sold during July.
August Good in the Hood Jonny Pops is donating 10% of total sales during August.
September Black Men Teach Bizzy Coffee is donating $1 per product sold, and Forage Kombucha is donating 50 cents per product sold during September.
October Juxtaposition Arts Alaffia is donating 25 cents per product sold during October.
November Somali American Farmers Association 
December Appetite For Change

2021 CHANGE MATTERS RECIPIENTS

MONTH ORGANIZATION TOTAL RAISED PRODUCT PARTNER TOTAL RAISED
January Pillsbury United Communities $10,019.67 From the Ground Up Snacks will donate 25¢ for every product sold. $126.25
February Juxtaposition Arts $9,054.21 Alaffia will donate 10% of total sales. $182.05
March Sisters Camelot $11,136.02 Equal Exchange will donate $1 for every bulk pound of Love Buzz Sold. Seven Sundays will also donate $1 for every product sold. $360.78
April Northside Residents Redevelopment Council  $11,998.16 Ferndale Market will donate 10% of total sales. $540
May Isuroon $12,149.37 Pranarom will donate 10% of total sales. $1,173.88
June North Country Food Alliance $10,409.45 JonnyPops and Big Watt will each donate 10% of total sales. $804.32
July Voices for Racial Justice $10,598.53 Forage Kombucha will donate 10% of total sales. Bizzy Coffee will be donating $.50 for every item sold. $891.00
August Ujamaa Place $9,803.70 Peace Coffee will donate 10% of bulk coffee sales. $1,535.15
September Sanctuary Covenant’s Good in the Hood Program $9,182,81 Kalona SuperNatural will donate 10% of total sales. $1092.71
October Northside Achievement Zone $9,678.34 Gustola Granola will donate $1 per product sold. $217.50
November MIGIZI $10,887.35 Taking Stock will donate 10% of total sales. $164.68
December People Serving People $10,576.84 Nordic Naturals will donate $1 per product sold. $499.00