The Land Stewardship Project is excited to gather again to build a vision for our region’s food system at the 2026 Western Minnesota Food Forum on Monday, Feb. 23, in Morris, Minn. The Western Minnesota Food Forum brings together local food advocates to listen, learn, and coordinate around local food market opportunities in western Minnesota. It will be held at the University of Minnesota- Morris, Oyate Hall, 600 E. 4th St.
REGISTER HERE
This marks the fourth year that this event has brought together farmers and local food advocates to network and collaborate on new ideas, as well as hear from those who have met the challenges of creating a sustainable food system in our region.
This year’s Forum will feature an afternoon panel discussion on the Pride of the Prairie Farm to School Network, with a focus on areas for future collaboration. Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to choose breakout sessions that include topics such as:
- Farm to Kids
- Immigration and the Food System
- Climate Resiliency Planning and Innovations
- Regional Food Coordination
- Food Rx for Community Health
Farm-to-Kids Roadshow
This year’s Food Forum will feature a Farm-to-Kids Roadshow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., a light lunch from noon to 1 p.m., and a local foods panel discussion and community-led breakouts from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration for this free event is encouraged. Register here.
Morris Community Meal
We encourage you to join us after the Food Forum to take part in the Morris Community Meal, starting at 5 p.m. and held at nearby Faith Lutheran Church (108 West 8th Street in Morris, about a mile-and-a-half from Oyate Hall).
The Morris Community Meal is held monthly and served free to anyone who wants to come. The meal uses local foods and sustainable practices as much as possible, and strives to share food from a variety of cultures. Gluten-free and vegan meals are always available. Anyone can get involved as a co-sponsor, volunteer, or attendee!
If you’d like to volunteer for the Morris Community Meal, register through the University of Minnesota-Morris via this form.
Producers featured at the Morris Community Meal:
Bees & Greens, Benson, Minn. Bees & Greens raise and sell chemical free vegetables as well as honey from their apiary.
Sandhill Mills, Canby, Minn. This family-operated business grows, mills, & sells ancient grains & ethically grown food.
Pastures-A-Plenty, Kerhoven, Minn. This family-operated farm is home to a hog farrow-to-finish operation as well as free range chickens and a seasonal cattle grazing business.
Bright Gardens, Cyrus, Minn. Jon Bright of Bright Gardens sells veggies, homemade jams and jellies, honey from bees on the farm, fresh eggs, and more!
Julia’s Gluten Free Goodness, Morris, Minn. Julia has been selling gluten-free (and sometimes also dairy free & paleo) baked goods at the Morris Area Farmer’s Market since 2016.
Stanley’s Sugarbush, Miltona, Minn. A family owned & operated Sugarbush that’s been in business for 32+ years.
Discount Student Memberships
LSP is excited to announce our $1 Student Membership available to college students for one year from the date of your tax-deductible gift.
To join LSP with a $1 student membership, select the appropriate ticket option in the registration form.
Membership in LSP includes a subscription to our printed newsletter, The Land Stewardship Letter, monthly e-news e-mailed to your inbox, and invitations to workshops and meetings, as well as opportunities to take action on the farm and food issues that matter to you! Join with thousands of other LSP members across the country to help create a farm and food system that puts people and the land before corporate profits.