Just Food Co-op

Many Cooperators are currently taking The Eat Local Challenge, but the past few weeks’ weather has brought farmers a challenge of their own. Recent flooding in Minnesota and Wisconsin has left many local farmers with their livelihood under water during the most crucial production time of the year. At least five farms that sell produce at Just Food Co-op (Harmony Valley of Viroqua WI, Featherstone Organic Farm of Rushford MN, Avalanche Organics of Viola WI, and Driftless Organics of Soldiers Grove WI) have been affected by the floods. Avalanche Organics is reporting 75% loss of the crops in their fields, and others are still assessing the damage.

Local farmers need your support now more than ever. Sow the Seeds Fund is gathering donations for flood relief in conjunction with regional co-ops. You can donate at the register at Just Food Co-op or online at www.sowtheseedsfund.org. The Fund is a project created by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Wedge Co-op to promote local food systems in the Midwest. The recent flooding, however, focused the Sow the Seed’s mission to providing flood relief to sustainable and organic farmers hardest hit by the floods.