Homegrown News
Check out our latest Homegrown Minneapolis newsletterFebruary 2021
Garden Lease Program Accepts Priority Applications through Feb. 19
Looking for a place to grow food with your community gardening group, or to grow food to sell as a market garden? The City of Minneapolis offers specific vacant City-owned lots to lease for gardens through an annual application process. Priority requests will be gathered through Friday, February 19, 2021 with leases planned to start April 1. (Note that this programs leases lots, not plots.) Learn more and apply for a lot by February 19.
January 2021
City of Minneapolis Seeks CSA farms for Workplace CSA Program (Deadline January 29, 2021)
The City of Minneapolis Stride Employee Wellness Program is opening a proposal process for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) local farms to partner in our workplace CSA program. The goal of this program is to promote healthier eating by providing City of Minneapolis employees with access to locally sourced, quality produce at an affordable cost and in turn supporting a local farm enterprise.
December 2019
August 2019
Mayor Frey has proclaimed August 4-10, 2019 to be Farmers Market Week in Minneapolis.
June 2019
Pollinator Week is June 17-23. Learn how to protect the pollinators this week and every week!
May 2019
Minneapolis Food Action Plan meeting discussion about Food Justice and Equity to be held on May 15.
April 2019
Attend the Community Food Forum and help shape planning for the Food Action Plan.
March 2019
Homegrown Minneapolis to host Community Food Forum on April 17, 2019 at MPS Davis Center.
January 2019
- Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Metrics Project seeking part-time interns for 2019 farmers market season.
- Homegrown Minneapolis is seeking candidates for a part-time, temporary Food Policy Program Aide. Learn more and apply by January 25th.
- The City of Minneapolis is seeking requests for priority to lease vacant lots for community or market gardening through February 28. Find the Garden Request Form, information on the leasing process, lease fees and a map showing which lots are currently available at www.minneapolismn.gov/gardenlease
- Community garden compost applications now available for spring/summer low and no-cost compost requests.
- Homegrown Minneapolis announces 2018 Homegrown Highlights of food system accomplishments.
December 2018
Minneapolis City Council amends Staple Foods Ordinance to provide store owners with greater flexibility in stocking healthy, culturally-appropriate foods.
November 2018
In Minneapolis, winter doesn’t mean the end of local foods and farmers markets! Check out the various winter farmers markets open during the colder season.
October 2018
- Community Garden Policy officially adopted by Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board of Commissioners, allowing for community gardening in neighborhood parks in Minneapolis.
- Submit your comments and/or attend a public hearing on October 29th and November 14th regarding the revised draft of the City of Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Several policy areas involving food systems topics include Policy 63 - Food Access, Policy 64 - Food Business, Policy 65 - Urban Agriculture and Food Production, Policy 67 - Climate Resilient Communities, Policy 73 - Stormwater Management, Policy 75 - Waste Reduction, and Policy 86 - Healthy Food in Institutions.
September 2018
Apply for one of four open seats on the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council!
August 2018
August 5-11 is National Farmers Week and Farmers Market Week in Minneapolis!
July 2018
Update to Mobile Food Store Ordinance will increase food access by allowing for mobile food stores to park on public streets in addition to private lots.
June 2018
National Pollinator Week is June 18-24! Support pollinators by picking up free Seedles (wildflower seed balls) at participating farmers markets.
March 2018
- Minneapolis releases draft comprehensive plan for public comment.
- Minneapolis seeks input on Neighborhoods 2020 Roadmap. Learn more here and submit comments through Monday, April 30, 2018.
- Farmers Markets of MPLS and University of Minnesota seek seasonal team members for Farmers Market Metrics Project
December 2017
- City approves changes to Homegrown Small Business Fund, reducing match requirement, expanding eligible uses of funds and eligible lending partners, and exploring a pilot grant component in the Promise Zone with a community philanthropic partner. View staff report to City Council here.
- Homegrown Minneapolis announces 2017 Homegrown Highlights of food system accomplishments.
- City approves 15 community members for appointment to the 2018-19 Food Council. View list of community members here.
November 2017
- Minneapolis to sign Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Learn more about the Pact.
- New handout available explaining guidelines for donating prepared food to reduce wasted food and support community food access
August 2017
- August 6-12 is Farmers Market Week in Minneapolis. For event updates and details, check out the Homegrown Minneapolis' farmers market page and the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Facebook page.
- Apply for the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council. Applications open through October 20, 2017.
June 2017
March 2017
- City Adds Lots for Garden Lease Program. Apply Now Through April 14
- 2017 Community Garden Compost Program accepting applications for low or no-cost compost for Minneapolis community gardens
January 2017
2017 Garden Lease Program Open For Application
December 2016
Homegrown Minneapolis hosts Open House and celebrates local food champions and achievements
September 2016
- Minneapolis Farmers Market Collaborative - Request for Qualifications: Strategic Plan
- City of Minneapolis declares September 17 to be Community Garden Day in the City of Minneapolis.
August 2016
June 2016
City simplifies farmers market vendor permits
May 2016
SNAP-EBT recipients save at Minneapolis farmers markets with Market Bucks
April 2016
- Homegrown Minneapolis Annual Report Presents to Minneapolis City Council's Health, Environment & Community Engagement (HECE) Committee
- Minneapolis Approves Plastic Bag Ordinance
- Minneapolis offers trainings on expanded organics recycling program
February 2016
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture produces Urban Agriculture Report with assistance from Homegrown Minneapolis
- City approves changes to MACC Ordinance including a simplified permit process for backyard chickens
- 2016 Free and Reduced Price Community Garden Compost Program
- Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department accepts requests to lease vacant City lots
January 2016
2016-17 Food Council welcomes new community members
December 2015
Homegrown Minneapolis Celebrates Homegrown Heroes & 2015 Highlights at Annual Open House
November 2015
City approves new community and commercial garden policies
October 2015
Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) to propose new draft criteria and lease standards for community gardens and draft criteria and lease standards for commercial gardens (market gardens or urban farms) on City-owned vacant land.
Last updated Feb 11, 2021
