Join us to shape the future of food and climate in Northwest Minnesota!
The NW Regional Food Network Workgroup brings together diverse voices from across NW Minnesota to build a stronger, more equitable regional food system. By informing and shaping the collaborative food assessment, the workgroup will elevate community experience, strengthen local food security, integrate climate considerations, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Polk, Norman, Mahnomen, Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Clearwater, and Hubbard counties.
Why Join the Workgroup?
- Shape the future of our region's food systems
- Network with other Food & Climate leaders in NW MN
- Lay the foundation for emission-reducing food access projects
By Joining this group, you will share in shaping a food system that reflects the voices, and realities of our communities.
Who We're Looking For:
We are seeking participants with a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and connections to food and climate in Northwest Minnesota. This includes- but is not limited to- individuals with:
- Lived experience with food insecurity, food access challenges, or climate-related disruptions
- A food sovereignty lens, including Indigenous knowledge or perspectives on self-determined food systems
- Professional or volunteer expertise in any part of the food system: agriculture, food processing, distribution, retail, food shelves, community gardens, or institutional procurement
- Knowledge of climate and sustainability practices such as regenerative agriculture, waste reduction, renewable energy integration, or carbon accounting
- Connections to frontline communities, especially those historically facing inequities in food access or disproportionately impacted by climate change.
What members Do:
Workgroup members commit to:
- Attend quarterly meetings (In-person or Virtual)
- Share insights, strategies, and lived experiences to guide the assessment
- Connect the work to your community by sharing opportunities and encouraging others to join the conversation.
- Support or co-host public forums, workshops, or listening sessions to connect assessment findings with community voices
- Review findings and recommendations to ensure they reflect what matters most to community members
- Share relevant grants and resources with network participants
Interested in joining?
Complete the NW Regional Food Network Interest Form or contact at lily.grossbauer@polkcountymn.gov
*Led by the Northwest Regional Food Network, this work is funded through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health as part of the Minnesota Climate-Smart Food Systems (MCSFS) initiative. The MCSFS Initiative is a state-led effort funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program to build regional food networks, improve food security, expand local food economies, and strengthen food sovereignty, as well as reduce climate pollution from food systems. This work does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA.