Brightside

BrightSide Produce is committed to eradicating food insecurity in urban areas by enhancing access to affordable, fresh produce and fostering community connections. Our mission is rooted in equity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of income or location, can access nutritious food options.

To achieve this, BrightSide employs a multifaceted approach. Firstly, we partner with small-scale grocery retailers, such as corner stores in underserved neighborhoods, to stock and sell affordable fresh produce. Secondly, through initiatives like our volunteer-run Pay What You Can program and partnerships with community health centers, we deliver fresh produce directly to individuals facing food insecurity and managing chronic health conditions. Lastly, we manage farmer's markets to further expand access to healthy foods within urban communities.

The donations from the Seedlings program will specifically support our Pay What You Can fresh produce deliveries. Since its inception in 2020, this subscription service has allowed recipients to pay what they can afford for a large bag of fruits and vegetables delivered to their doorsteps. This initiative addresses financial barriers and logistical challenges such as transportation and limited food shelf hours.

Currently, our capacity to serve more individuals is constrained by donation levels. The Seedlings funds will bridge the gap between what recipients can afford and the actual cost of produce, ensuring the sustainability and growth of this vital program. All funds received directly support the purchase of produce, bags, and mileage reimbursements for our volunteer drivers, with no administrative overhead.

By supporting BrightSide Produce, donors contribute directly to the well-being of our community, promoting health equity and combating food insecurity across urban neighborhoods in Minneapolis and St. Paul.