On Friday, August 22nd, The Friends of Finland (FOF) and the Finland Food Chain provided fresh produce, meat, rice, and eggs to 103 households. This major food distribution, known as the “Big Food Giveaway,” was a significant event, though future distributions will be smaller.
This program is made possible by a grant from the USDA and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Many people are surprised to learn that the food is completely free and are curious about how it works. The program’s goal is to strengthen local economies by enhancing Minnesota’s food agricultural supply chain, supporting local and regional producers, and improving food access in underserved communities.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program began as a federal initiative, awarding $4.7 million to Minnesota in 2024. However, after a nationwide freeze on federal funding, FOF was notified that the USDA planned to cancel the program in September 2025. In response, Minnesota legislators created a state-level LFPA program, funded at $700,000 per year, to continue this vital work.
Due to these funding changes, FOF has adjusted its distribution schedule to once per month. This new schedule will allow the program to continue running until February 2026, with the possibility of extension if funds remain. The next round of food distribution will operate differently than in the past, as there will be no home deliveries. The distributions will be first-come, first-served, and there will be no sign-up list.
Previously, FOF and the Finland Food Chain distributed 40-50 food shares every other week during the Finland Farmers Market. They also offered deliveries to residents in the Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, and Finland areas who had mobility restrictions. Delivery services will no longer be available.
The food is sourced from many local farms within 400 miles of Finland. Most of the produce, eggs, and wild rice come from farms in or near Finland and Silver Bay. Meat is sourced from Yker Acres in Carlton, MN, and Ardent Acres Farm Company in Palisade, MN.
Some of the regular local farms that supply produce, eggs, and wild rice include:
- North Shore AgroEcology Center – Finland
- Finnskogen Farm – Finland
- Wolf Ridge Organic Farm – Finland
- Round River Farm – Finland
- Big Lake Micros – Finland
- Bonnie Warner with Blue Willow Trading Post – Silver Bay
- Harrison Hobby Hollow Farm – Silver Bay
The Finland Community Youth Program also receives a share each time, and staff have been finding creative ways to encourage kids to eat more vegetables.
FOF, the Finland Food Chain, and the community extend their gratitude to the farmers. They have been instrumental in keeping this program supplied with fresh, unprocessed, or minimally processed food grown within Minnesota. The program requires that the food be provided at no cost to underserved communities.
Upcoming food box pickup dates at the Clair Nelson Center:
- Location: 6866 Cramer Rd, Finland, MN, 55603
- Time: Sundays from 1 PM – 3 PM (until supplies run out)
- Dates:
- September 14
- October 5
- November 2
- December 7
- January 4
- February 1
Don’t forget to check out Booya Fest on October 4, which features a delicious stew made with as many local ingredients as possible.
