Growing Connections: Building Food Hubs to Support Farmers and Feed Communities
In partnership with The Good Acre
Date & Time:
Sat, Jan 25, 2025, 2:15 pm
Venue: American Swedish Institute
Cost: Free with registration
In the depths of winter, our connection to local farmers and food systems is more essential than ever. This session celebrates the farmers who sustain us year-round, the markets that bring their harvest to life, and the partnerships that build strong, resilient food networks. This session will illuminate the “connective tissue” of resilient food systems—bridging local infrastructure, community partnerships, and a culture of care for the earth. Through real stories of farmers and food advocates, we’ll discover how these elements come together to create a food system that is sustainable, equitable, and alive with possibility.
We’ll leave inspired, with tangible ways to support this work in our daily lives—whether by choosing seasonal foods, advocating for policies that prioritize local producers, or reconnecting to the simple joy of sharing a meal made with care. Change begins with each of us, and the future of food is ours to create.
Moderator:
Christopher Vondracek covers agriculture and rural topics for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He is the author of "Dancing with Welk," a memoir, and "Rattlesnake Summer," a collection of poetry. He also plays music locally.
Speakers:
Theresa McCormick is the Executive Director of The Good Acre, Minnesota’s largest nonprofit food hub. The Good Acre unlocks economic opportunity for farmers through a unique combination of personalized support and market development, creating pathways to strengthen economic well-being and build generational wealth for local farmers. Under Theresa’s leadership, The Good Acre unlocked more than $2.6 million in sales for local and emerging farmers in 2024, doubling the organization's impact in three years. This means greater economic opportunity for farmers partnering with The Good Acre, and greater local food offerings for kids eating school meals and neighbors visiting food shelves, and TGA’s community of 700+ CSA members.
Theresa is a proven leader with experience in nonprofit fundraising, program development, and operations. Prior to joining The Good Acre, she spent a decade at Second Harvest Heartland, one the nation’s largest food banks. She believes that collaboration and partnerships are the key to creating meaningful and lasting change. She currently serves on the boards of directors for the Citizens League and Twin Cities Agriculture Land Trust and is a past president of the Junior League of Minneapolis.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she is a 2024 cohort participant of the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program. In 2024 she was named as one of Twin Cities Business magazine’s 2024 Notable Women in Agriculture, Food and Beverage. She lives in Northeast Minneapolis with her family.
Ka Zoua Berry is Hmong American Immigrant farmer where she and her husband are farming Bees, fruits and vegetables on their 1/8 acre homestead in Maplewood.
Ka Zoua lives in Maplewood with her husband and 4 children. She has a Masters in Exercise Science and a Masters in Nutrition Education. She believes that it should be a right to grow your own food no matter where you live. Culturally connected foods and culturally connected health practices are important to her. She hopes to continue to help shape the work of food equity and justice through her connections, knowledge, education, experiences, and lifestyle.
She is also the Farm Director of The Food Group where she oversees the sustainable farming programs. Some of those programs are the incubator training program-- Big River Farms, Agrisolar, New Hope Micro Farm and the Emerging Farmers Conference. She is also Go-Farm Connector with Renewing The Countryside where she helps connect farmers to farm resources such as USDA and state programs.
Funwi Tita is the Founder of Better Greens LLC, a Minnesota-based company dedicated to growing and distributing culturally significant African vegetables to communities across the United States.
With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Funwi has become a trailblazer in the ethnic food industry, bridging the gap between cultural heritage and modern food systems.
A champion for emerging farmers, Funwi also founded the Minnesota African Immigrant Farmers Association (MAIFA), a collective that empowers African immigrant farmers through education, advocacy, and access to resources. Under his leadership, MAIFA has become a vital network promoting equitable land access, sustainable farming practices, and economic opportunities for immigrant farmers, while preserving cultural traditions.
Funwi’s dedication stems from a deep commitment to fostering community resilience and food justice. His work addresses the unique challenges faced by underrepresented farmers, such as navigating complex regulations and accessing competitive markets. Funwi’s innovative approaches have earned recognition, including partnerships with local organizations to expand farm-to-table initiatives and educate consumers on the nutritional value of African vegetables
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Beyond his professional endeavors, Funwi values community-building and environmental stewardship, believing that equitable food systems are the cornerstone of thriving societies. His passion and expertise continue to inspire a new generation of farmers and advocates, making him a pivotal figure in the movement for inclusive and sustainable agriculture.