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Kakookies are delicious oatmeal cookies made with real food ingredients & plant-based protein. They are a convenient “better for you” grab n go snack and treat providing the nutrition of an energy bar with the comfort and joy of eating a cookie! These gluten-free and vegan cookies strike the perfect balance between great taste and great for you. Not only do they satisfy your hunger and sustain energy, they satisfy your cookie cravings too!www.kakookies.com
Minneapolis, MN
Contact: Sue Kakuk
[email protected]
Find In Stores
Order Direct
Products:
• Assortment of Oatmeal Cookies
• Almond Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
• Boundary Waters Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies
• Cashew Blondie Oatmeal Cookies
• Dark Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
• Sampler Pack - 5 cookie assortment
• Perk Me Up Gift Box
• Mini Gift Box Set
• Holiday Gift Box
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2021 Foodmaker Directory
The following vendors took place selling in the FEAST! Spring 2021 Online Marketplace.
Click the logos to learn more about each of them!
Hazelnuts, flour & oil
Bourbon Aged Maple Syrup
Raw Honey with Spices
Artisan Cheese
Farmstead Goat Cheese
Small Batch Artisan Coffee
Bean to Bar Fine Chocolate
Crane Creek Farms
Honey & Maple Syrup
Texas-style BBQ sauces
Farm-Grown Grains, Cereals, and Mixes
Pickles, Salsa, Jams and Bakery
Grain-Free & Gluten-Free Granola
Premium Granola
Grass-fed Beef, All natural pork, pastured chickens, eggs
Infusion Gardens
Bloody Mary Mixes
Roasted Nuts And Snacks
Grab-N-Go Superfood Cookies
Fresh Herb Teas, Salts, and Syrups
Brasilian Cheese Bread
Spice Blends, Chocolates, Teas
Fine Chutney
Shrubs (Drinking Vinegar)
Southeast Asian Sauces
Cheese, Dairy, Honey
Regeneratively Raised
Beef, Lamb, and Eggs
Organic Mixes, Rubs, Jelly & Tea
Infused Apple Juice and Cider
Elderberry Syrup and Fire Cider
Organic Fruit and Vegetable Farm
Garlic Scape Pesto
Thick Cut, Unique Potato Chips
Artisan Sourdough Breads, Pastries, Chocolates
Pure, Raw Honey 
Fresh Microgreens and Vegetables
Treats by T ~The Pepper People
Ghost Pepper Sauce
Smoked Wild Salmon, Salmon Jerky and Stews
Organic Salsa and Jelly
Indian Inspired Foods
Caribbean Sauces
Find the list of 2020 vendors here.
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Advance tickets are on sale NOW through Nov. 1 at 6pm!
Tickets also available at the door:
10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, Nov. 2nd
Mayo Civic Center
Rochester, MNPREVIEW THE VENDORS
General admission
Advance, online: $8
At the door: $10
VIP admission (includes alcohol sampling)*
In advance, online: $25
At the door: $30
*Comes with complimentary FEAST! commemorative sampling glass
Children under 12: FREE
GET TICKETS VIP admission includes a wristband* for access to Spirits, Wine, Beer and Cider sampling plus regular general admission.
Wristband / VIP ticket-holders may purchase up to six items, including wine, hard cider, craft beer, or spirits.
*All alcohol-sampling wristband holders MUST show proof of age with valid, government-issued photo-ID at entrance.
See more photos -->
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Exhibitor's Schedule at a Glance
Friday, November 1st
Load-in and setup: 5:00 - 8:00 PM*
*Contact [email protected] if you'd like to load in at a different time on Friday.
Saturday, November 2nd6:30 AM - 9:30 AM Load-in and setup — *Booths must be set up by 9:30 am. 9:30 AM Vendor huddle 10 AM Festival opens— booths must be staffed Lunch is on your own— please plan accordingly 3:30 PM Announce People's Choice Award winner! 4 PM Festival Closes 4 - 6 PM Load out 
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Volume Seven is here!
This lifestyle magazine-meets-trade journal uncovers vital strategies and champions driving the local food movement in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. We love telling these stories!
Read past editions below:
Volume 6
Volume 5
Volume 4
Volume 3
Volume 2
Volume 1
Contacts:
Marlene Petersen: [email protected]
Elena Byrne: [email protected]
The map below shows some of our distribution spots throughout Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Do you have a suggestion for a great place we should drop a stack?
Tell us here!
Volume Six
Volume Five
Volume Four
Volume Three (Fall 2020)
Volume Two (Fall 2019)
Volume One (Fall 2018)
Why advertise in LOCAL FEAST!?
See our advertising rate card
To discuss ads, articles & more:
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2018 Vendors
Our 2018 exhibitors are listed below.
Click on logos to go to their websites!
For a closer look, see the Feast! blog for write-ups on a sampling of businesses.
For a map of exhibitors, click the thumbnail image at right.
Alexis Bailly Vineyard
Alexis Bailly Vineyard is Minnesota’s oldest winery and vineyard, established in the upper Mississippi River Valley just outside of Hastings since 1973.
Saturday festival only
Hastings, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
American Hazelnut Company
The American Hazelnut Company is a grower-owned producer of hazelnuts and the oil and flour made from them.
Gay Mills, WI - Grower/Producer
Ames Farm
Ames Farm produces single source honey. Each jar of our honey has the location, hive number, and floral source printed on the label, making it specific to a time and place in Minnesota.
Delano, MN - Grower/producer, Honey
Aspelund Winery
Specializing in fruit wines, experience the unique taste sensations from apple to elderberries, or grapes to cucumber, fennel & tomato wines.
Saturday festival only
Kenyon, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Atlas Provisions
Atlas Provisions makes foods rooted in the spirit of adventure. We travel the world to find the best tasting foods from across the globe and partner with their communities to bring those foods to you.
St Paul, MN - Snacks
B&E's Trees
We craft Wisconsin's finest certified organic bourbon barrel aged maple syrup. Our syrup has hints of vanilla and a smoky finish that is a unique addition to any meal.
FEAST! 2016 Award winner
Viroqua, WI - Grower/Producer, Confections
Baba's Food Company
Baba means father. Our baba brought an authentic flavor of Jerusalem to America in 1979. After serving his hummus for 40 years, we want the world to taste Baba's Hummus!
Burnsville, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings, Snacks
Badgersett Farm
Hybrid chestnut, pecan and hazel breeders.
Canton, MN - Grower/Producer
Bare Honey
Bare Honey pairs raw honey from hand-picked Midwest nectar sources with complementary spices to create gourmet products such as Hot & Spicy and Lavender Blossom infusions, or Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, and Bee Pollen Infused honey spreads.
Saturday festival only
Minneapolis, MN - Grower/Producer
Bolton Bees
We are a beekeeping company that only sells honey that we produce. We extract each location separately, naturally creating distinct and unique flavors. Our mission-based SolarHoney product promotes the planting of pollinator-friendly habitat at solar arrays.
Saint Paul, MN - Grower/Producer, Honey
Bootlegger Kombucha
Bootlegger Brewing Kombucha- Uff da it's good! We are a certified organic, midwest sourced (everywhere we can be) and locally brewed brewed, bottled and kegged!
Apple Valley, MN - Non-alcoholic beverages
Blue Fruit Farm
Certified organic, Blue Fruit Farm grows perennial fruits (aronia berries, black currants, blueberries, elderberries, honeyberries, juneberries, and plums). We sell locally to consumers and wholesale to restaurants and grocery stores.
Saturday festival only
Winona, MN - Grower/Producer
CannonBelles Cheese
Artisan Cheese made with locally sourced ingredients.
Northfield, MN - Cheese and Dairy
Cannon River Winery
Nestled among the lush, rolling hills of Minnesota’s picturesque Sogn Valley, Cannon River Winery’s Vineyard is home to more than 9,000 vines on 40 acres of land. Our award winning wines are crafted by hand in our nearby Cannon Falls.
Saturday festival only
Cannon Falls, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Carlson Roasting Co.
Small batch roasted artisan coffee using Fair Trade and organically grown coffees from around the world roasted in the driftless area of SE MN.
Houston, MN - Beverages
Chocolate San José - Minneapolis
We harvest the best cacao beans from our fields and turn them into chocolate for you! Our main goal is to share our passion in the production of the best cacao beans and the best chocolate in the world; we want to share our vision of sustainability, full trace-ability and transparency with everyone interested in knowing a little bit more about what we love to do.
New Hope, MN - Grower/Producer, Confections
CJ's Premium Spices
A Wisconsin family-owned spice blend company. We have innovative spice packets that create award-winning taste final products. We are Certified Organic, Kosher, and Gluten-Free.
Hartland, WI - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Coconut Whisk
Coconut Whisk is a premium vegan baking mix company. Our mission is to provide customers with high quality & allergen friendly baking options; while giving back to kids & animals in need.
Rosemount, MN - Bakery and Grains, Vegan baking mixes
Country View Dairy
Country View Dairy makes all-natural yogurt products right on their family farm in the hills of Northeast Iowa. The cows milk gets turned into yogurt in their Grade A Milk Plant within a matter of hours & is all done right on the farm.
Hawkeye, IA - Cheese and Dairy
Creature Comfort Hot Sauce
Six hot sauces, no super hots and an all purpose seasoning and rub. That being said they are still hot sauces!
Minneapolis, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
CTL Foods, Inc.
CTL Foods, the original home of Soda Fountain® Malted Milk Powder, an All-Natural, Kosher-Certified, Wisconsin-Made product. CTL has been blending and packaging Malted Milk Powder since 1972!
Colfax, WI - Non-alcoholic Beverages
Ferndale Market
Ferndale Market is a third-generation family farm in Cannon Falls, Minnesota growing free-range turkeys. We also operate an on-farm store dedicated to sourcing all the best local foods.
Saturday festival only
Cannon falls, MN - Grower/Producer, Meat - SPONSOR
Fierce Ferments
We are makers of flavorful, probiotic-rich sauerkrauts, kimchi, pickles and Fire Tonic!
St. Paul, MN - Preserves and Vinegar, Fermented Foods
Fizzeology Foods
Fizzeology Foods passionately produces a line of raw, local & certified organic ferments while educating the public about the benefits of local, organic and whole foods. Our products are cured in glass and oak barrels- no plastic.
Viroqua, WI - Preserves and Vinegar, Fermented Foods
Flower Valley Vineyards & Winery
Located just South of Red Wing MN near beautiful Lake Pepin in the picturesque Flower Valley. In 2012 we opened our winery featuring wines grown in our vineyard.
Saturday festival only
Woodbury, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Forager Brewery
Locally focused brewpub and scratch kitchen.
Saturday festival only
Rochester, MN - Craft Beer
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery
Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery is a local family winery, cidery and event center with an uptown feel in the middle of a corn field.
Saturday festival only
Spring Valley, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine, Cider
Freak Flag Foods
Freaks like us may be a little out there, but we’re out there making the world more sustainable, delicious and fun. Because we believe that when you’re true to yourself in life and in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless.
Buffalo, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Frederick Sound Fish Co.
Hook and Line Caught, Wild Alaskan Salmon. Sold direct from the fisherman, King and Coho Salmon. Vacuumed sealed and flash frozen.
Rochester, MN - Meat
Goodnola
Goodnola is a local granola company. We specialize in small batch artisan granola featuring local maple syrup and dried cherries from Michigan.
Independence, MN - Bakery and Grains
Grandma's Gourmet
We make all of our products in Minnesota with love. All of our products are a blend of memories, contemporary flavors and high quality ingredients many of them locally sourced.
FEAST! 2017 Buyers' Choice winner
Albert Lea, MN - Preserves and Vinegar Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Heartland Burrito
Heartland Burrito offers a line of eight all-natural and Mid-west sourced frozen burritos. We feature many organic vegetables, organic cage-free eggs and cheese curds from Waukon, IA.
Iowa City, IA - Grower/Producer, Cheese and Dairy, Snacks, Frozen
Heil Ginseng
Heil Ginseng Enterprises are the 3rd largest grower in WI of American Ginseng. We only sell what we Grow. Heil Harvest is our retail line in Premium boxes of varies different forms from Powder to whole root.
Edgar, WI - Grower/Producer
Hidden Stream Farm
Hidden Stream Farm raises 100% Grass-fed beef, pastured chickens and naturally-raised hogs fed vegetarian diet of non-GMO feeds, sunshine, and fresh air.
Saturday festival only
Elgin, MN - Meat
Hoch Orchard
Hoch Orchard ciders and wines are made from our estate-grown apples, berries and stone fruit, and hops. Nothing is brought in from other farms — all of our products are made with certified organic and biodynamic fruit.
Saturday festival only
La Crescent, MN - Grower/Producer, Hard Cider
Honestly Cranberry
Honestly Cranberry offers unsweetened dried cranberries with no added sugars, juices, or oils. Come try the true tart taste and natural goodness of cranberry!
Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Grower/Producer, Preserves, Vinegar and Sauces
HoneyberryUSA
HoneyberryUSA offers honeyberries and tart cherries from our naturally grown orchard. Available fresh in season, frozen, or in preserves. Limited availability of saskatoons, currants (red/white/pink/black), gooseberries, aronia, elderberries, and seaberries at our U-pick.
Bagley, MN - Grower/Producer, Preserves and Vinegar, Cheese and Dairy
Infuzn Foods
A Minnesota based company specializing in Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free meals and meal kits inspired by culinary delights of India with a global twist.
Rochester, MN - Sauces, Meal Kits
JRS Country Acres
JRS Country Acres provides Wisconsin-produced Cage Free Brown Eggs to the Great Lakes Region. Our farms are family-run with small flocks. Cage Free = Happy Hens!
Lake Mills, WI - Grower/Producer, Eggs
Kakookies
Deliciously flavorful, soft baked, Grab n Go cookies made with wholesome superfood ingredients that satisfies hunger and sustains energy. Certified GF, Vegan, Woman owned & MN local.
FEAST! 2016 Ready to Grow award winner
Minneapolis, MN - Bakery and Grains, Snacks
KellyG's Wild Rice Burgers
We are a family owned small business located in Northern Minnesota. We use local ingredients in our vegetarian, gluten-free wild rice burgers.
White Bear Lake, MN - Vegetarian
Kinney Creek Brewery
Kinney Creek Brewery is the first brewery to come to Rochester, MN since the last one shut down in 1922 due to the restrictions of prohibition!
Saturday festival only
Rochester, MN - Craft Beer
K-Mama Sauce
Award winning vegan Korean hot sauce made from my mother's recipe. Non-GMO, MSG free, and gluten free, we are the tastiest and healthiest condiment. It's Seoul for Your Food!
FEAST! 2016 People's Choice winner
Friday tradeshow only
Minneapolis, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Lake Pepin Winery
We operate a Minnesota Farm Winery which produces very delicious and unique wines entirely from locally grown grapes.
Saturday festival only
Lake City, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Leafy Legacy Herb Farm
Leafy Legacy Herb Farm grows herbs without chemicals on our Lanesboro-area farm that we use to produce herb salts, herb-infused syrups, and herbal teas. We make you a better cook!
Lanesboro, MN - Grower/Producer, Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
L'Etoile du Nord Vineyard
L’Etoile du Nord Vineyard is located on Lake Irene north of Alexandra. Handcrafted in small batches from grapes we have nurtured through the seasons, our wines reflect the character of our land and the integrity of our processes.
Saturday festival only
Parkers Prairie, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Little Thistle Brewing
Little Thistle Brewing is a locally-owned, community-focused brewery located in Rochester, MN. We focus on small-batch craft beers - from the easy-drinking to the unique and experimental.
Saturday festival only
Rochester, MN - Craft Beer
Maazah Chutney
It's the perfect compliment to grilled meats, sandwiches, artisan cheeses and more. Made with all raw ingredients, vegan and gluten free. Fresh and delicious goes-with-anything condiment, inspired by our mom.
Friday tradeshow only
Minneapolis, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Mama Stoens
Filling the gap in the market that is missing for those that have the need or desire to have GF options without sacrificing taste, texture, and variety.
FEAST! 2017 People's Choice winner
Saturday festival only
Owatonna, MN - Bakery and Grains
Midwest Elderberry Cooperative
Midwest Elderberry Cooperative grows and produces the highest quality native elderflower and berry ingredients from farmed fields beyond sustainable and organic. Sampling River Hills Harvest ElderBerry products available locally.
Minneapolis, MN - Grower/Producer, Preserves and Vinegar
Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery
Minnesota Grown, Minnesota Made wine and ciders.
FEAST! 2017 People's Choice winner
Saturday festival only
Kimball, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine, Cider
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Working to enhance Minnesotans’ quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy.
St. Paul, MN - SPONSOR
Minnesota Hemp Farms
The first approved Industrial Hemp Grower in Minnesota and currently the state’s largest hemp grower and wholesale supplier of hemp products. We offer the highest quality bulk food ingredients (hulled hempseed, roasted hempseed, hempseed oil, hemp protein powders) as well as CBD supplements.
Hastings, MN - Grower/Producer
Mostly Made
Mostly Made helps you cook dinner! Assemble our Enchilada Filling and Lasagna Filling with your favorite fresh ingredients to make nourishing family meals.
Deephaven, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings, Frozen
My Sweet Greens MN
Farm-to-table grower specializing in a wide variety of fresh microgreens and salad greens. Our produce is used in restaurants, sold retail in co-ops and available at area farmers markets. Every product is grown clean, harvested and packaged fresh, imparting incredibly sweet and intense flavors with power-packed nutrient density.
Zumbrota, MN - Grower/Producer
Nami Chips
Nami chips is a family run company creating a dehydrated, SuperFood, meal in a chip. Our recipes are developed based on the local organic produce. Made with love.
Viroqua, WI - Snacks
NessAlla Kombucha
NessAlla makes fresh, craft brewed kombucha in Madison, Wisconsin. All of our flavors are certified organic and kosher, and made using sustainable practices.
Madison, WI - Non-alcoholic Beverages
Next Chapter Winery
Next Chapter Winery is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery sustainably crafting barrel-aged wine in rural Minnesota.
Saturday festival only
New Prague, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine, Cider
Oak Valley Creations
At Oak Valley Creations, we believe organics are a great way to incorporate good health into your recipes and your life! Our products are made in small batches with available locally sourced ingredients creating high quality, handcrafted, gourmet foods & gifts.
Savage, MN - Bakery and Grains, Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings, Snacks
Out Of The Kitchen LLC
Out Of The Kitchen produces sauces that have been prepared using Black Garlic made from fresh garlic grown in Wisconsin as one of it's main ingredients.
Prarie du Sac, WI - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Pickle Creek Herbs
At Pickle Creek, we grow herbs and produce on our family farm and use original recipes to hand craft the best possible infused olive oils and vinegars.
Fairfield, IA- Grower/Producer, Preserves and Vinegar, Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Raw Bistro Pet Food
Our food and treats for dogs are crafted from only the most ethically raised meats, organic veggies, berries and other ingredients dogs need for optimal health & vitality.
Cannon Falls, MN- Meat, Snacks, Pet food
Ready-2-Fruit Mushrooms
We offer one of the largest selections of mushroom spawn, kits and cultivation supplies around, offer in the home gardener the ability to grow gourmet mushrooms form around the world.
Pine River, MN- Grower/Producer, Mushrooms
Renewing the Countryside
Renewing the Countryside strengthens rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects.
Minneapolis / Zumbro Falls, MN - SPONSOR
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned business established in 2007, with 13 varieties of grapes on 30 acres. We offer dry to sweet and red and white wines. There is sure to be something to please every palate!
Saturday festival only
Round Lake, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Ruth's Vegetarian Gourmet
Ruth’s Vegetarian Gourmet is a local, family owned and operated, frozen food company in Two Harbors, MN. Ruth’s offers Vegetarian and Vegan Foods made with quality ingredients from our own family recipes.
Two Harbors, MN - Frozen, Vegetarian
Sacred Blossom Farm
We grow super quality herbs on our small Wisconsin farm then blend and package them into beautiful, delicious herbal teas.
Mondovi, WI - Grower/Producer, Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Salem Glen Winery
Salem Glen is a family-owned and operated boutique winery specializing in small batches of wine made from regionally grown grapes.
Saturday festival only
Rochester, MN - Grower/Producer, Wine
Salsa Joe L. Diablo
Rochester Minnesota based salsa company selling award-winning Minnesota salsa.
Rochester, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings
Sara's Tipsy Pies
Sara's Tipsy Pies are delicious hand pies in unique flavors made with a splash of beer, wine or spirits and Sara's famous family crust recipe.
Friday tradeshow only
Stillwater, MN - Bakery and Grains
Shokolate Haven
Our handcrafted Artisan Chocolates are made using all naturally grown product, locally sourced ingredients and the finest quality chocolate.
Lindstrom, MN - Confections
Sno Pac Foods
Sno Pac is a local family owned and operated grower and processor of frozen organic fruits and vegetables. Established in 1943.
Caledonia, MN - Grower/Producer
Sociable Cider Werks
Sociable brews fresh-pressed apples with fruits, grains, hops & spices for innovative libations best shared with a friend.
Saturday festival only
Minneapolis, MN - Hard Cider
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in 20 Minnesota counties. The Foundation has provided more than $50 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 29 years. SMIF's key interests include early childhood and economic development.
Owatonna, MN - SPONSOR
Squash Blossom Farm
Squash Blossom Farm's bakery features wood-fired sourdough breads, fancy breads, and pastries. During the summer, we serve our wood-fired pizza on the farm.
Saturday festival only
Oronoco, MN - Bakery and Grains
Sweetland Orchard
Small, family-owned and operated orchard and cidery making Minnesota's original farmhouse cider.
Saturday festival only
Webster, MN - Hard Cider
The Bee Shed, SBC
The Bee Shed, SBC produces and sells honey-related products. Our honey is raw, unprocessed and local to SE Minnesota.
Oronoco, MN - Grower/Producer
The Farm of Minnesota
The Farm of Minnesota is a Certified Organic Elderberry and Mushroom grower
Hutchinson, MN - Grower/Producer
Timberlake Orchard
Apple orchard located in southern Minnesota. We have recently expanded to include our new cider pressing room and a full commercial kitchen for baked goods! We have 17 apple varieties including Honeycrisp, SweeTango and more!
Fairmont, MN - Grower/Producer
Trail Creek Coffee Roasters
Locally roasted small batch specialty coffee with an emphasis on fair trade, organic single origin coffees and a passion for community, connection, and global impact.
Kasson, MN - Non-alcoholic Beverages
Treats by T
Treats by T is a husband and wife team. We make a versatile delicious ghost pepper sauce, that starts off sweet and finishes with a little heat. We grow all our own peppers,its from our garden to you.
Saturday festival only
Northfield, MN - Sauces, Dressings, and Seasonings
MN Turkey Council
MN Turkey Council is funded and governed by Minnesota turkey farmers for the purpose of promoting turkey products, farmers, and research for raising turkeys.
Saturday festival only
Buffalo, MN - Grower/Producer, Meat
West Indies Soul Food, Inc.
West Indies Soul Food, Inc. provides flavorful food for the soul with our authentic Caribbean cuisine and southern soul food recipes. Voted one of the Best of the MN State Fair.
St. Paul, MN - Sauces, Dressings, and Seasonings
Yoga Pops
YOGA POPS®, a better-for-you snack made from Asian water lily seeds, are inspired by Ayurveda, bringing the experience of yoga through food. Hand-roasted in small batches in Minnesota, our crunchy artisanal snacks are a great alternative to popcorn.
Minneapolis, MN - Snacks
You Betcha! Box
"You Betcha! Boxes"- Minnesota's new artisan food subscription boxes, delivered quarterly! Every box is specially curated to delight you with Minnesota's finest, handcrafted foods, and share recipes and makers' stories.
Saint Paul, MN - Minnesota artisan food gift boxes
You Betcha Kimchi
You Betcha Kimchi makes a deliciously Minnesotan twist on the Korean classic using all local, organic ingredients (even the ginger!) in 3 spice levels: Minnesota Nice, A Bit Nippy, and Uffda!
Minneapolis, MN - Preserves and vinegar, fermented foods
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Peer Network
The Feast! Local Foods Network also supports small businesses in the food industry with peer networking meetings. Regional local foods entrepreneurs get together and share ideas, struggles, and successes.
“The demand for local foods in our region is increasing,” said SMIF Vice President of Economic Development Pam Bishop. “We see growth in the local foods sector as a great economic development opportunity for our region. However, for businesses to step up and meet this demand, they need a range of business support. This peer network is one tool to help strengthen these local foods enterprises and our regional economy as a whole”
If you have any questions regarding the Peer Network, please contact Pam Bishop at [email protected] or 507-455-3215.
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About the Fund
Grow a Farmer // About the Fund // FAQ // Apply for a Loan
The Grow a Farmer Fund provides small-scale sustainable farmers low interest loans to help them improve their operations and increase their bottom lines.
WHY IS THIS FUND NEEDED?
While we all love the idea of small and mid-sized farms growing great food for our tables, the reality is that small-scale farming is hard work and it is challenging to make a decent living. On top of that, small-scale farmers are the folks that have the hardest time securing bank financing because they often lack collateral, are too small, or are trying something new (and thus are too risky for traditional lenders.) A handful of programs do provide small loans and grants to these type of farmers, and this program will complement those funds.
WHO IS BEHIND THIS?
The Grow a Farmer fund builds on years of work by many businesses and organizations (including natural food co-ops, farm-to-table restaurants, non-profit organizations, and farmers!) that are working to improve our food system and reshape the local food economy. These are people who care deeply about improving the food system, helping farmers, and preserving the land. The Grow a Farmer Fund is one step in the bigger vision that has been emerging – a vision where farmers who are committed to growing good food while being good stewards of our natural resources are able to make a respectable profit.
This initiative is one part providing accessible financing to small farms and one part giving good food citizens a means to invest in the kind of farms we want more of: those that contribute to a healthy food system and thriving local economy.
While a number of organizations and individuals have been involved in getting us this far – a core group began this work: Renewing the Countryside, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Sustainable Farming Association, Shared Capital Cooperative, Feast Local Food Network, and Regeneration Partnership. We continue to add additional partners such as Mill City Farmers’ Market, Impact Hub MSP, the Food Building, and Birchwood Cafe. We hope to be able to add your name to the list!
WHERE DID THE FUNDS COME FROM?
The funds for this program were donated by individuals and organizations during a campaign we launched in 2016. This donation-based fund is a step on the road to creating more pathways for good food citizens to invest in the kinds of farms and food systems that we want to see flourish. In the future, we expect to have investment options in addition to donation options.
With the Grow a Farmer Fund, we are supporting farmers and also learning more about the needs and challenges both to farmers and with this type of lending. This will serve as a proof of concept for broader Slow Money initiatives.
We are looking to people like you and me – who love good food and understand the financial challenges that small-scale sustainable farmers face – to support this fund. We are organizing to meet these challenges using a Slow Money approach to keep local money in the community and build a thriving local economy.
WHO MANAGES THE FUND?
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with Slow Money Minn. and Feast Local Food Network, houses the Grow a Farmer Fund. SMIF is a well respected and established community foundation that serves the twenty counties of southeast and south central Minnesota. SMIF has generously agreed to donate their time and expertise to manage this fund. SMIF manages a number of loan funds and has extensive experience working with small businesses. An advisory team, with expertise in small farms businesses, will work alongside SMIF staff to assist in reviewing applications and ensuring the process works for small farms.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Small farms using sustainable practices who can demonstrate that a small loan can improve their operations and increase their bottom lines. In this phase of the project, we will focus on farms that are located in the FEAST Local Foods Region, which covers the 20-county service area of the fund administrator, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. These counties are: Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan and Winona. If all goes well, we’ll work to expand this initiative to other regions of the state.
HOW DOES THE LOAN PROGRAM WORK?
The Grow a Farmer Fund provides loans of up to $15,000 to small farms for projects that will improve their operations and increase their bottom line. The eligible projects are broad because every farm business is different. Examples might include building a winter greenhouse to extend the growing season, automating systems that increase efficiency (think watering systems for veggies or livestock), or covering start-up costs for perennial crops that are great for the environment, but don’t start paying back for a few years.
The process is straightforward and transparent. Farmers will fill out a user-friendly application form, provide references, and provide financial paperwork. A lending committee comprised of SMIF lending staff and small farm advisors will review the applications based on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. The review committee will also look beyond collateral and credit scores in making a determination. A key factor will be demonstrating a viable business plan with market opportunity. Repayment terms and loan interest will vary and will be determined by the discretion of the loan review committee.
As these farms grow, the fund recipients will repay their loans. That money will then go back into the loan fund and be available for other farmers. This way the money will continue to circulate in the community providing enduring support for small-scale sustainable farmers!
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FAQs
Why do we need a loan fund for small-scale farmers?
Surveys, interviews, and focus groups with Minnesota farmers have identified accessing financing as a challenge to business growth. While there are lenders that provide loans to farmers (and even a few who provide grants), many small-scale farmers do not fit the criteria required by traditional lenders because they lack collateral or are engaged in production systems that are outside of the norm. Furthermore, a number of farming systems – such as perennial crops – require patient capital – and most lenders are not set up to provide those sorts of terms. This fund does not replace the programs that are out there, but complements them, expanding options for farmers.
Why is small-scale farming not very profitable, when I pay so much for my local foods?
Though the costs for local or organic food can seem high, compared to other countries, most of us pay a much smaller percentage of our income on food. The margins for these farms are thin. This has to do with scale, subsidies (that most small farmers don’t qualify for), the risky business of running a business dependent on the weather, consolidation in food systems infrastructure, international trade laws that bring in cheap food imported from places where workers get paid very low wages and where environmental regulations are lax.
Why $100,000? Is it enough to make a difference?
We’ve started with $100,000 because it’s enough money to gauge how small loans to farmers can meaningfully boost their businesses. With $100,000 we can provide loans to at least 10 farmers and maybe more and we’ll be able to evaluate the impact of these investments and work out any kinks in the process.
What is the Slow Money Minnesota?
Slow Money Minnesota is an emerging network that connects people interested in building a better local food system. Together, we intend to increase the flow of knowledge and capital in support of local food makers and farmers. The network got off the ground through organizing by Renewing the Countryside, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Sustainable Farming Association, Shared Capital Cooperative, and the Feast Local Food Network and was supported through a grant from North Central SARE. The network has since expanded to involve other organizations and individuals, and we anticipate that it will continue to expand as we welcome others to join us.
What is the Slow Money movement?
The concept of Slow Money is about investing in the sort of future we want and doing so closer to home, with a focus on food systems. A national movement of over 31,000 people is working to bring Slow Money to communities across the US. The term Slow Money was coined by Woody Tasch. To learn more about Slow Money, visit https://slowmoney.org.
Is this an “investment”?
The Grow a Farmer fund is an investment in more prosperous farms and in a healthier food system. By donating to the loan fund you can sit back and watch your money “Grow a Farmer!” That said, we know people are eager for the type of investment model where you get your principal back with interest, or own a share of a company. Those models are in the making, but we don’t expect to see them emerge for at least a year. The Grow a Farmer fund was launched as a first step along the path to preferred Slow Money investing options in Minnesota. This pilot project will do more than help farmers, it will allow a community of donors to learn along the way.
Why do applicants have to be from the 20 counties of southeast and south central Minnesota?
The Grow the Farmer Fund originated out of the work of the FEAST Local Foods Network and is inspired by Slow Money Minnesota. The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), with their great financial team, understanding of loans and small business, and ability to accept donations, stepped up to manage the fund and have provided their services as a donation. Because of the way SMIF is organized, the funds must be focused on southeast and south central Minnesota, the communities where SMIF does its work.
Our vision is that this effort will grow and as it does we'll be able to partner with other entities like SMIF, that serve different regions so that we cover every corner of the state, maybe even expanding into Wisconsin – as we have many farmers across the border who are key to our local food system.
Have a question? Contact us!
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Check out the full lineup:
FEAST! Festival
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
Discover the Vendors:
FEAST! 2024 FESTIVAL DIRECTORY
Gallery of past events
Many thanks to our premier sponsors!
See all FEAST! Local Foods Network sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor for 2024-25?
Contact Alissa at the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation at [email protected] or by calling 507-455-3215 ext. 107.
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Sponsors
FEAST! activities feature local farms and foodmakers from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin that make our region special. They're part of a vibrant local foods culture and economy, adding richness to our landscape through land stewardship, job creation, and social benefit practices.The FEAST! festival and tradeshow events allow businesses the opportunity to expand their customer relationships and increase their wholesale markets. Sponsors make all of this possible. Can you help to fuel the local foods movement?
Heartfelt thanks to our 2024-25 sponsors!
Premier Partners
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Friends of FEAST!
The Bee Shed
LOCAL FEAST! Groupie
We're grateful for the FEAST! Local Foods Network members who attend meetings throughout the year and contribute their efforts to make these programs possible.
Sponsorship Information (PDF)
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact:
Alissa Oeltjenbruns, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
[email protected]
507-214-7023Marlene Petersen, Renewing the Countryside
[email protected]
651-272-7238
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Save the date for the 6th Annual
Saturday, December 7th, 201910 AM - 4 PM | Rochester Mayo Civic Center
Directions and Parking-
- Sip, sample and stock up on locally-made foods, from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
- Discover new flavors made with local ingredients to stock your pantry or gift your favorite foodie
- Spring for a VIP wristband to sample locally-crafted beer, wine and hard cider
Besides the market, you'll also enjoy...
Cooking demos FEAST! People's Choice voting
Children’s activities
Rochester Downtown Farmers Market vendors within the festival
Wine and hard cider sales allowed for wristband ticket holders (6 bottle limit)
Ticket Info*
Online: beginning in October
At the door: $8/adults, $2/kids age 2-12, $25/VIP Wristband (includes admission, must be 21 with ID)
*Coupons will be available at the following locations:
- All participating FEAST! Restaurant Week venues (see the list)
- Minnesota Children's Museum Rochester
- People's Food Co-op, Rochester and La Crosse
Directions and Parking for the Mayo Civic Center
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Farmers, brewers and food makers are also marketers, accountants, managers, educators and more. In order to grow, it helps to have outside perspective and some subject matter experts on your side. The Feast! Smart Start Initiative was a one-year pilot program beginning in 2017. It supports farm and food entrepreneurs through technical assistance and customized, transformational coaching.
FEAST! SMART START GRANTS
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is accepting applications from organizations to receive up to $10,000 to implement FEAST! Smart Start in their community. Up to 4 applicants will receive a total of up to $40,000 to support individual farm and food entrepreneurs through a defined, structured technical assistance and customized, transformational coaching process.
Strong food economies are dependent upon successful entrepreneurs. These individuals start and expand small scale farms, production and processing facilities, distribution hubs, and food transportation systems. This also includes small town grocers, local cafés and restaurants, caterers and food service businesses all of which specialize in including local foods on their shelves or menus.
Because these individuals who make up the food ecosystem are so important to the future of local food consumption and our agricultural economy, SMIF has created this special grant opportunity to build resources for creating a sustainable and resilient food economy for southern Minnesota. Business financing is important to success, but financing alone does not provide business leaders with the business acumen needed to develop and sell products and create jobs.
For more information, click here.
2018 Timeline
- Application Due: May 15, 2018
- Grant Awards Made: June 15, 2018
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Zero Waste
FEAST is a low/zero waste event. Beyond recycling and minimizing waste, we promote organics recycling (composting) at the Mayo Civic Center. In their organics recycling program, all food scraps, soiled paper, food-service items and certified compostable foodware are placed in a single container. Waste Management picks up the waste and delivers it to a composting facility. After six to nine months, the material has been recycled into compost that is put to good use in landscaping and road construction projects.
All vendors at FEAST must use compostable food ware items to sample their products. This can be a simple as wooden toothpicks, paper cups and napkins. Please be aware that certain paper items, like dixie cups, are lined with plastic. Please look for certified compostable items.
Compostable Sampling SuppliesHere are some good examples of compostable sampling supplies and sellers. Feast does not endorse any specific product or vendor. Contact [email protected] with questions.Suggested Compostable Products:
• Basic Paper portion cups - best for dry/cold products• Sturdy portion cups - better for hot and wetter/saucier products• 1oz PLA portion cups - can be used as shot glass for cold beverage tastingOnline compostables retailers:
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Eli Goodwell published Feast Local Foods Network winds food stewardship award in FEAST! blog 2016-10-10 17:46:21 -0500
FEAST Local Foods Network Wins Food Stewardship Award
Bill Swanson, Lanesboro; Jane Olive, UMN SE Regional Sustainable Development Partnership; Devon Ballinger, Renewing the Countryside (RTC); Brett Olson, RTC; Jan Joannides, RTC; Tim Penny, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF); Eli Goodwell, RTC; Pam Bishop, SMIF; Neal Cuthbert, The McKnight Foundation MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., June 20, 2016 - The FEAST Local Foods Network and its partners won the Environmental Initiative Award in the Food Stewardship category on Thursday, May 26. This program, hosted by the nonprofit Environmental Initiative, annually honors projects that have achieved extraordinary outcomes by harnessing the power of partnership.
The FEAST Local Foods Network is a collaborative network across Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin of local foods advocates. The FEAST Network organizes the annual Feast! Local Foods Marketplace. Partners accepting the award included Renewing the Countryside, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), University of Minnesota Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, The McKnight Foundation, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Mayo Clinic and People's Food Co-op. The network was created to support local food producers and foodmakers by boosting access to financing, resources, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities...
Read more
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Buyers
"Attending Feast reinforced our belief that there are many vendors we would not normally be exposed to. We understand that marketing is a big cost for vendors; Feast lets people in a concentrated way get their name out there." ~Retail grocery buyer
Click here for buyer's registration!
Are you a retail food business, foodservice business, food manufacturer or distributor? Are you interested in sourcing more local foods?
Join us on Friday, December 1st, 2017 for the fourth annual Feast! Local Foods Marketplace Tradeshow. You will have the opportunity to meet and sample products from over 100 food makers and farmers from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Don't miss the chance to participate in this event!
The Tradeshow floor will be open from 3-6 PM and will be followed by a Reception in the Rochester Art Center.
REGISTER TODAY!Early Bird Rate - $15 on or before November 10thStandard registration - $25 (covers multiple people from one business)Other Links:
Saturday, December 2nd - Public Festival
Eli Goodwell
Working for a just, sustainable and vibrant countryside. Join us!