by Ava Walker

Thanksgiving is all about delicious food and gratitude, and local ingredients make every dish even more special. From hearty vegetables to flaky pies, local farmers and makers help bring the holiday meal to life right at your dinner table.

This flavorful feast features classic staples that bring comfort to every plate. With farm fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a meal that is both festive and nourishing and support your local community at the same time.

At FEAST!, you can find holiday favorites for Hugh’s Gardens for russet potatoes, Gardner Family Farm for pasture raised turkey, Martha’s Eats & Treats for homemade pie, Peoples Food Co-op for you veggies, and even Must Be Ruff to include a treat for your four- legged friends!

University of Minnesota nutrition student Madelynne Fuchs was inspired by the list of local food businesses at FEAST! to create some short lists of selections she recommends for parents of active kids.

Take a look, learn more in the vendor directory, and then track down these samples at the festival!

by Megan Roehrig

Nuts are an extremely healthy and beneficial snack. They are a great source of protein, fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts make the perfect quick and easy snack that you can take with you anywhere! This mighty snack is high in fiber, which can improve digestion and keep you fuller for longer.

At FEAST!, you can find this powerful snack from brands like the American Hazelnut Company, Isadore Nut Co, and Kalahari Foods.

By Luqman Mohammed

Gluten-free diets are not just for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity; they offer benefits for anyone looking to improve their health. Reducing or eliminating gluten can aid digestion, decrease inflammation, and increase energy levels. Many individuals find that gluten-free foods help them feel lighter and more balanced throughout the day. 

Exemplary local food businesses received awards at March event

Jan Joannides of Renewing the Countryside presenting the Innovative Local Sourcing Award to Amy Forgues of Hidden Springs Creamery following the wholesale expo at the FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow, March 21, 2024 in Cannon Falls, MN.

CANNON FALLS, Minn. — This year’s FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow was the biggest in the FEAST! Network’s 10-year history. The industry-only event, which introduces wholesale buyers to an array of farms and food businesses from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, showcased the achievements of makers as well as retailers. 

The FEAST! Local Foods Network recognizes food makers with exemplary practices in two categories: the Inspiring Social Benefit Award (for giving back to their communities) and the Innovative Local Sourcing Award (for the use of locally-grown ingredients). 

1. Fill your FEAST! bag! 

The first 1,000 guests will receive this awesome commemorative canvas bag, perfect for loading with local food + drink finds

When it gets heavy, stroll out to the new BAG CHECK in the lobby to have us safely stow it while you continue shopping and enjoying the fest

Tip the scales & win! We'll weigh the bags as they're dropped off—get your name on the leader board, you could win a limited edition local foods tee!

	YKeing Yang of Seasoned Specialty Foods Market in St. Paul

Our readers savor their annual edition of LOCAL FEAST! magazine. This free nonprofit-produced publication is mission driven to support local farmers and food makers— not sales driven to support corporate profits.

Filled with recipes and profiles, every issue reflects great things happening in the local food ecosystem across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Every story—even our ads—are developed in concert with the people and organizations working to improve food access and strengthen communities. That's why we've become a trusted resource for the latest and greatest in local food in the region.

by Taylor Joa, nutrition student volunteer

Check out these important superfoods you can find at this year's FEAST! Festival, loaded with antioxidants and beneficial in a variety of ways!

Elderberry

Elderberry comes in handy any time of the year, especially during cold & flu season! It’s a great addition to your diet with loads of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. You can find elderberry products from Panache and Sailor Mercy at this year's festival!

by Olivia Burns, nutrition student volunteer

Probiotics have one of the largest impacts on the human microbiome and gut health. Fermented foods provide the bacteria in your gut with nutrients that fight disease and inflammation within our entire bodies. Having a healthy gut is correlated to better mental health, and having more serotonin released on a daily basis.

Check out these companies that will be at FEAST! with foods that support good gut health!

Kowabucha

Probiotics have one of the largest impacts on the human microbiome and gut health. Fermented foods provide the bacteria in your gut with nutrients that fight disease and inflammation within our entire bodies. Having a healthy gut is also strongly correlated to better mental health and having more serotonin released on a daily basis. Kowabucha is another great vendor to check out to feed your microbiome!

by Bree Landherr, nutrition student volunteer

Did you know?

Consuming healthy protein in sufficient amounts is important for all, and especially during periods of growth such as childhood, adolescence and pregnancy. It has also been found to be beneficial during aging, for optimal muscle maintenance, and during injury healing. Protein forms the building blocks for new cells, and has the benefit of triggering our body's sensation of satiety. 

As you make your way around the FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace, keep an eye out for these companies that provide healthy options for protein! Here are a few of those businesses along with some facts about protein:

Ferndale Market (Cannon Falls, MN)- Turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving! Free range turkey that are rotated onto fresh pasture each week and antibiotic free.

Fun fact: one 3 ounce serving of turkey of has 24 grams lean protein 

Hidden Stream Farm (Elgin, MN) offers chicken, beef, pork, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. This environmentally friendly farm uses regenerative farming practices without chemicals or antibiotics.

Fun fact: one 3 ounce serving of chicken breast contains 23 grams of lean protein