The Food Group Fare For All Big River Farms Donate Agency Corner Who We Are What We Do Get Involved News From Community Gardener to Entrepreneurial Farmer By Danielle Piraino, Produce Programs Coordinator at The Food Group Samuel and a friend delivering maize. I met Samuel Siso, owner of Gesima Obwororo Organic Vegetable Farm, several years ago in The Food Group’s community garden in front of our building in New Hope. Ever friendly and always smiling, Samuel is a gardener who I saw daily during the gardening season. Samuel was often washing traditional Kenyan vegetables with his family in our garden’s wash station. So, it was exciting to learn that Samuel expanded his farming operation beyond the limitations of the community garden plot, to rent land from a nearby farmer in 2021 so that he could grow his own farm business. Starting an organic vegetable farm in the United States today takes grit. It also takes access to an incredible number of resources, both financial and social. As a new farmer, and an immigrant farmer, breaking into the local markets can be difficult. With The Food Group’s local food purchasing programs, we are equipped to be the first wholesale customer for emerging farmers such as Samuel. This summer, we were able to purchase over 3,000 pounds of vegetables from Gesima Obwororo Organic Vegetable Farm, including dried Cranberry and Pinto beans, maize, and sweet corn. With Samuel’s connections to his community, The Food Group can ensure that these culturally specific foods reach our Kenyan neighbors. Stories like Samuel’s drive home the power of our farm-supportive programs. We wish Samuel lots of success on his farming journey and are excited for him to be participating in the farmer training education program through our own Big River Farms to continue to develop his farm business. Packages of Samuel’s cranberry beans ready for distribution. Recent Posts From Community Gardener to Entrepreneurial Farmer Resolving Hunger Takes More Than Food Community Partner Spotlight: Minneapolis University Rotary Club White Bear Area Food Shelf: Weekly Delivery Program breaks down barriers to transportation Meet Farmer Porfirio Perez GET INVOLVED Donate Host a Food or Cash Drive Volunteer Events ABOUT US The Food Group changed its name from Emergency Foodshelf Network in September 2014. Our work remains the same. About Us Our Programs Board of Directors Staff Job Opportunities Resources CONTACT 8501 54th Ave. N New Hope, MN 55428 763-450-3860 info@thefoodgroupmn.org SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on upcoming events, new blog posts, and other exciting Food Group news! Copyright © 2021 - The Food Group