North Country Food Alliance

North Country Food Alliance (NCFA) is a worker-run nonprofit advancing food sovereignty across the Twin Cities Metro Area. Our mission revolves around redistributing culturally relevant and nourishing foods to community-led pantries and kitchens while fostering local food cultivation in underserved neighborhoods.

Founded on principles of solidarity and community empowerment, NCFA has significantly expanded its impact since 2013. We collaborate closely with over 50 local food pantries and kitchens, providing them with recovered surplus foods from grocery retailers, gleaned produce from local farms, and purchases from BIPOC farmers. This approach ensures that our distribution aligns with community needs and supports growers practicing Indigenous and regenerative agriculture.

Central to our mission is building resilient local food networks. Instead of relying solely on large national nonprofits, NCFA prioritizes partnerships with local farmers and food shelves, reinforcing community bonds and mutual aid networks. Our efforts aim to divert surplus food from landfills and strengthen food access through sustainable, culturally relevant options.

During the off-season (November through April), when fresh produce is scarce, NCFA faces the challenge of maintaining consistent food access. Additional funding will enable us to procure bulk supplies, expand our network of food sources, and deepen collaborations with existing partners throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. This strategic growth will bolster our ability to meet community needs year-round, promoting food sovereignty and resilience.

As a worker-run organization, NCFA operates on democratic consensus, embodying liberatory practices internally and externally. We prioritize building equitable relationships based on shared power and reciprocity, which are essential for sustaining our mission of ensuring abundant access to nourishing foods for all.