Discover which fair foods are truly local and why it matters to Minnesota’s food community
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Some say that food on a stick is a Minnesota staple, but if that food isn’t grown or raised here, is it really? That question came to mind here at The Good Acre after we caught a nice Midwestern chat last summer between Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar about whether the Iowa or Minnesota state fair is better. We decided to dig deeper into what makes a good state fair and discovered something surprising: Neither fair tracks local sourcing for their hundreds of food vendors.
Although the Minnesota State Fair’s new app offers over 40 searchable food categories, it’s surprising that “local” isn’t among them. As proud neighbors of the fairgrounds, we’re more than happy to do what any good neighbor would do – celebrate and highlight the local products that make the Minnesota State Fair truly special.
Our Minnesota State Fair Local Food Guide is more than just a list; it’s a starting point for a deeper discussion about where our food comes from and why it matters. While it may not include all of the local products at the fair, it does highlight the commitment of Minnesota’s farmers and producers and those vendors who embody the agricultural spirit of the Minnesota State Fair.
This Local Food Guide will help fairgoers make informed choices that not only delight their taste buds, but also contribute to a resilient and equitable local food system. We believe that together we can promote local food, build community, and ensure the true essence of the Minnesota State Fair lives on for years to come. To get The Good Acre’s Local Food Guide delivered directly to your inbox, visit www.TheGoodAcre.org.
For further information, interviews or media inquiries, please contact Nikki Warner at [email protected].
About The Good Acre:
The Good Acre is Minnesota’s largest nonprofit food hub dedicated to creating economic opportunity for farmers through personal support and market development. We bring together local food from small farmers across the region to meet the demand of our wholesale buyers and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members. Through our work, we aim to build a resilient local food system that supports our communities, preserves farmland, and ensures all Minnesotans have access to fresh, locally grown food. For more information, visit www.TheGoodAcre.org.
–The Good Acre
