Welcome to NFFI

About NFFI

Community food system projects have been springing up across the United States, and are part of a worldwide movement that values and promotes locally produced food. 

A community food system is ‘one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption are integrated to enhance the environmental, economic, social, and nutritional health of a particular place’ (1). At the heart of a region that strives to create a community food system, producing and consuming foods is embedded in personal and community interaction between farmers, food businesses, and consumers alike. 

The Northland Food and Farming Initiative (NFFI) is a community project that works to strengthen the food system in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. NFFI has developed a number of projects and has established permanent homes for them with other organizations. 

Projects include: 
  • The Sustainable Food Systems Curriculum, a farmer taught 10-part curriculum on sustainable agriculture taught to fifth grade classes across the region; 
  • The Food Business project Superior Grown which partners regional farmers, food businesses, farming organizations, and interested citizens who work together to create a sustainable community food system in the Northland;
  • The Food Kit, developed to provide churches with practical tips for making local food more accessible to low-income people; 
  • The food systems slide show, Northland Food and Farming: Healthy for the Environment, Economy, and People, presented to various audiences sparking discussion and creating awareness to ensure that all sectors of the community work together to strengthen local food.
  • Additionally, NFFI has funded other food and farming work including, the SFA Harvest Festival, the Aitkin County Farm Directory, and work done by the Community Earth Farm. 

History

Founded and funded in 2000 from the MN Legislature, NFFI developed as a project of the Northeast Minnesota Sustainable Development Partnership, established by the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, the College of Natural Resources, and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Additional support has been provided by the Sustainable Farming Association of Northeastern Minnesota, Laurentian Resource Conservation and Development, The Institute for a Sustainable Future, and various volunteers. NFFI is overseen by an Advisory Committee. 

For details on NFFI projects, go directly to Educational Opportunities or Contact Us. 

(1: Steven Garrett and Gail Feenstra - Growing a Community Food System)