Seeds are Life: African American Food History in Minnesota
As winter wanes, Minnesota gardeners begin to ponder their favorite seeds and map out their dreams for spring planting and the summer harvest. Seeds hold memory and heritage. They hold the skill of the planter; they hold the knowledge of place and time. In the early...
An Introduction to Our African American Foodways Research
Image: Okra, black eyed peas, and maize - some of the staples of African American cuisine.What is American food? More specifically, what is the history of American culinary traditions in Minnesota?' These are the complex questions that Midwest Food Connection (MFC)...
Food Packaging Waste is the Quiet Partner in the Food Waste Epidemic
For all the talk of reducing food waste in recent years, the impact of our food’s packaging has remained conspicuously absent from the conversation. The 800-pound gorilla lurking in the world’s refrigerators and pantries is, of course, plastic. Between the milk jug,...
Basil Pesto
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups packed herbs, chopped or ripped* 1 clove of garlic, crushed (optional) 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp sunflower seeds 1-2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional) 2 tbsp lemon juice Salt and pepper, to taste *Choose your favorites: Basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme,...
SNAP-Ed Funding Has Ended. What’s Next?
SNAP-Ed, the education arm of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), has been providing free nutrition and health education to low-income Americans for over thirty years. Guided by a mission to promote healthier lifestyles, the program partners with...
6 Ways to Repurpose Pumpkin Insides
It’s officially Halloween, and as we roll into late October, millions of Americans have begun indulging in their favorite fall traditions: plotting costumes, picking apples, and, of course, carving pumpkins. Before sharing some ideas for repurposing this year’s...
Spring Rolls
INGREDIENTS: Cucumbers Carrots, prepackaged or cut into small strips Lettuce, cut lengthwise in half Cilantro, with stems Rice Vermicelli Rice Paper Wrappers Water (Optional) Pork, chicken, shrimp, or another protein option INSTRUCTIONS: Prepare your vegetables,...
Healthy Snacks for Kids (to eat at home or school!)
An answer to the neverending brainstorm among parents: what healthy snacks can I make for my kids to eat at home or school? You’ve probably heard of the classics: celery with peanut butter and raisins, apple slices, and carrots with ranch. There’s nothing wrong with...
Teaching with Tamarind Fruit
Did you know that chefs and culinary professionals named tamarind as their 2024 flavor of the year? McCormick, known for selling spices, designates a trending flavor every year. This year, the flavor is tamarind, referring to the tamarind fruit native to eastern...
Hmong Food Traditions are Influential in Minnesota Cuisine
As food educators, we are constantly refreshing our curriculum to improve its cultural relevance to the communities we serve. Through grants from local foundations, we have been learning from and cultivating relationships with leaders in important cultural communities...
Fun and Healthy Recipes for Kids to Make During the Holidays
Today marks the last day of classes for many schools across the country before they start Winter Break. Here in Minnesota, Midwest Food Connection educators are teaching their last food education classes until after the new year. With a couple of weeks to relax, we...
5 Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Home
Did you know: about one-third of food bought among households across the U.S. is wasted. The average American throws away over 200 pounds of food every year. While restaurants and other entities contribute to the food waste crisis, these food waste facts make it clear...
It’s National Co-Op Month: What is a Food Co-Op?
October is National Co-Op Month, and what better time to celebrate the local community food co-ops here in Minnesota? A significant part of our work here at Midwest Food Connection is funded by food co-ops like Seward Co-Op, Eastside Co-Op, and Valley Natural Co-Op. ...
Tips for Continuing Food and Nutrition Education at Home
Happy back-to-school season! It’s September, which means that students all across the country are heading back to school. With students going back into the classroom, it’s the perfect time to think about how to bring food education into your home. There are various...
I Have Seeds! A Story About Food Education
As I sat in the school hallway awaiting a first-grade class to return from lunch for their food education class, I heard the patter of small feet quicken near me and a booming, proud voice announce, “Ms. Missy, Ms. Missy, Ihave seeds!” Plant Food, Educate Kids: A...
What is Composting? How to Start Composting at Home
Have you heard of composting? If you haven’t, now is the time to learn about it! Recent data shows that more people are composting every year, which can make a big impact on environmental sustainability. As of 2021, 38% of food in the U.S. is wasted. That means over...
AAPI Heritage Month: Reflecting on Hmong Food Traditions and Research
On the last day of AAPI Heritage Month, Midwest Food Connection is reviewing what we’ve learned through researching Hmong culture and traditions. Thanks to a grant appropriated to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund,...
Bountiful Bean Recipes
Beans are truly a gift in the garden - one of the three sister plants traditionally grown along corn and squash in many native american tribes. Beans help build healthy soil helping other plants / animals thrive, and they bring great nourishment to our bodies as well....