Amid Federal Grant Reductions and Increased Tariffs, Menomonie Market Continues to Award Funds in Eighth Year of Fund Our Foodshed Initiative

(Menomonie, WI) - Menomonie Market Food Co-op (MMFC) is excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program, which has awarded grants for the eighth consecutive year. Funded through customer contributions at the registers and additional support from the co-op itself, this initiative aligns with the co-op’s mission of fostering a healthy foodshed by empowering regional farmers and food producers. This year, MMFC is proud to distribute $19,000 in grants, a significant increase from the $2,000 awarded in the program's inaugural year in 2018.

The Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program not only revitalizes our rural community but also provides critical support to local farming operations. By investing in projects that strengthen operational infrastructure and increase food production, MMFC reinforces the essential role small farms and producers play in sustaining rural economies, preserving valuable ecosystems, and creating new business opportunities.

Recent developments indicate that local farmers and producers are facing unprecedented challenges due to tariff policies and federal funding cuts by the current administration in 2025. According to a report by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, these tariffs have resulted in increased costs for inputs, such as seeds and equipment, which directly affect the bottom line for farmers.

Additionally, the administration has cut funding for essential conservation programs and restructured farm assistance programs, contributing to increased uncertainty and financial strain for many producers. These policy shifts jeopardize financial stability and market access, making it difficult for local producers to thrive in an already volatile economic environment.

The denial of over $2 billion in payments owed to more than 30,000 farmers, including MMFC vendors, further exacerbates this situation, creating a ripple effect that adversely impacts local producers who rely on robust agricultural ecosystems to succeed. These circumstances highlight the urgent need for initiatives like the Fund Our Foodshed Grant Program, which can help local producers stabilize their operations and build resilience within our community. It’s essential to recognize the impacts of current policies on our farmers and producers and actively seek ways to support them. By doing so, we can help ensure a successful future for agriculture in our region.

In April 2025, MMFC’s Fund Our Foodshed grant committee, comprising board members, co-op owners, and staff from both locations, reviewed applications with a focus on the potential positive impact on the agricultural economy of the Chippewa Valley. The grants were awarded to four deserving area farmers, producers, and suppliers:

• Granja Las Aguilas LLC (Amery, WI): Building an egg wash station and storage area.

• Good Root Growers (Prairie Farm, WI): Realignment of greenhouse beds and development of a water system for new ginger beds and existing greenhouses.

• Two Ovens Bakery LLC (Eau Claire, WI): Equipment upgrades for enhanced production efficiency.

• Leah's Canning Co. (Chippewa Falls, WI): Upgrades aimed at improving canning efficiency and product labeling.

MMFC will share each winners’ project story through its social media and website. Watch for more information throughout the year at THIS LINK or to see stories from prior year’s recipients.

Menomonie Market Food Co-op, a community-owned grocery cooperative with a legacy of fifty years, is committed to being a cornerstone of thriving, healthy communities. With a full-service grocery, from a scratch deli and hot bar to an impressive selection of local foods and knowledgeable, friendly service, MMFC proudly operates two locations: one in downtown Menomonie at 814 Main Street and one in downtown Eau Claire at 206 North Barstow Street. Store hours are 7 am to 9 pm daily. For more information, visit www.mmfc.coop.

Media release.