First Fridays Special Edition: June Announcements

Thanks to a sponsorship from the Sustainable Farming Association (Lake Agassiz Chapter), we hosted a special edition of First Fridays on Friday, June 1. Unlike our typical event structure, this was a kickoff in a series of opportunities to provide input and ideas for the Metropolitan Food Systems Plan. The Metropolitan Food Systems Plan (MFSP) was first published in 2013 by Metro COG and is the guiding document for our local food system. [Read MFSP here]

Missed the event? Watch our Facebook Live video to see the first half, and share your input on the Metro Food Plan via our Google Form. You can also provide feedback at the following locations: Prairie Roots (June 16), Streets Alive (June 24), Red River Market (July 21), Field to Fork Festival (August 7), and Streets Alive (August 26). 

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 We also had a ton of great announcements about upcoming community events and opportunities. Check out the list:

Mindy Grant, FARRMS/Growing Together
This mission of FARRMSis to enhance the sustainability of farms and ranches in their communities. They’re hosting a number of summer events including a tour of Cottonwood Ciderhouse & Orchard on June 26.
Check out the FARRMS website for this and other events. 

Brett Lysne, Prairie Roots Food Co-op
Prairie Roots has a number of exciting things happening this summer, including celebrating their 1 year anniversary! They also said goodbye to their rockstar producer manager, Joleen Baker, so are hiring a new produce manager. Their next event is 20% Off Bulk Sale this Sunday, June 3.
Follow Prairie Roots Facebook to stay up-to-date on future events.

Stacie Loegering, Emergency Food Pantry / Hunger Coalition
The Hunger Coalition of Cass and Clay Counties will be meeting Thursday, June 28 at 8:15 a.m. at the Cass County Annex. In June, they will focus on a creating consistent message about hunger & the food recovery system in our area. Future meeting times TBD.
Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, June 28 at 8:15 am.

Chris Olson, Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe
Heart-N-Soul is a community cafe dedicated to serving local, healthy, delicious meals to everyone in our community with dignity and respect with pay what you can afford pricing. Upcoming events are Tuesday, June 12 at Red Silo in Fargo, and Sunday, June 24 at Green Market Cafe during Street Alive.
Get more details and RSVP on Facebook  

Rita Ussatis, NDSU Extension Cass County and Nicolle Auckland, Family Wellness
NDSU Extension Cass County, Growing Together & Family Wellness are teaming up to host a series of Field to Fork Festivals to celebrate the harvest. Join them the first Tuesday of August, September, and October from 4-7 p.m. at the Growing Together Gathering Gardens (25th St & 40th Ave S., Fargo).
Follow NDSU Extension Cass County on social media for more details.

Mara Solberg, Solberg Farms
Solberg Farms to host Yoga On The Farm on June 9. All are welcome to come early and watch the sunrise. Coffee and a light breakfast provided.
Get more details and RSVP on Facebook

Sonja Ellner, Dorothy Day Food Pantry
The Dorothy Day Food Pantry will be hosting a Party at the Pantry to celebrate their 35th anniversary on Thursday, June 7. There will be live music, food, and pantry tours. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome.
Get more information + RSVP on Facebook

Janice Tweet, GleaND
GleaND is a volunteer-powered network serving North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. The goal of GleaND is to capture excess produce from local growers and channel it through the charitable feeding networks.
Stay connected to upcoming volunteer opportunities on Facebook

Thanks again to all who joined us at this special edition of First Fridays! We're on summer break until September, so stay tuned to social media for updates on future events.