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 Pack Your Pantry with Local Produce
Imagine biting into a crisp, Minnesota Grown apple on New Year’s Day or savoring homecooked soup brimming with sweet local squash in the middle of a February freeze – these are the joys of long-term produce storage!
But how many apples should you buy? How long will those potatoes keep? And how do you keep them all fresh? We’ve got you covered! With the right techniques, your fall haul can last well into winter, allowing you to enjoy Minnesota Grown fruits and vegetables, Fresh From Your Neighbors, for many months to come.
Discover how long some of Minnesota’s fall staples will keep, learn some quick tips for keeping them fresh, and then find a farmers’ market or farm stand near you to stock up!
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Photos courtesy of Squash Blossom Farm, Big Springs Farm, Brand Farms, and Waldoch Farm
Embrace Autumn: Get Outdoors
With the crisp days of autumn upon us, we're ready to embrace layered clothing and head outside! Whether it's taking a hayride, navigating a corn maze, picking pumpkins and apples, or raising a glass at a farm winery — look to Minnesota Grown farmers as you make weekend plans.
Short on time but want that festive fall feeling? Swing by your local farmers' market for a final harvest haul of seasonal favorites!
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Photo courtesy of Big Springs Farm
Harvesting Fun: Big Springs Farm
Meet Pamela and Justin, the husband-and-wife duo behind Big Springs Farm Pumpkins & Corn Maze LLC, a fall adventure farm in Lanesboro, MN. Inspired by their time studying in Switzerland, where agritourism is central to farming life, Pamela and Justin brought those ideas home.
Their farm is packed with fun activities like a pick-your-own pumpkin patch with over 100 varieties, a themed 10-acre corn maze, and plenty more!
You can find farm experiences in your region in the Minnesota Grown directory.
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Looking for the perfect holiday meal? One you can feel proud to serve your family and guests? Locate a local farm where you can order a fresh, locally raised turkey that’s sure to make your celebrations special!
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Which store should win the Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year - People's Choice Award? Visit our Facebook page and like your favorite photos to recognize retailers that excel in sourcing locally!
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Photo courtesy of Glacial Hills Elementary
October is Farm to School and Early Care Month
Farm to School and Early Care programs typically incorporate one or more of these approaches into education settings:
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Local Purchasing: Local foods are served to students as part of meals, snacks, or taste tests at schools and in early care settings.
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Education: Students learn about food, agriculture, health, and nutrition.
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School gardens: Students engage in hands-on learning by growing foods in gardens and other agricultural production settings, such as greenhouses.
It's a win-win-win! Farm to School and Early Care is good for kids, good for farmers and good for communities! This month, we take time to celebrate local food in our schools and communities, and share gratitude with those who make these opportunities possible - including farmers, educators, nutrition professionals, and community members!
There are a variety of resources including grants and cost-share programs to support schools and early care providers and the kids they care for, so if you know someone who'd be interested, get them involved!
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