Over the past two months, we’ve welcomed many new people into the BrightSide community. If that’s you, welcome. We’re so glad you’re here.
Thanks to the generosity of longtime supporters and new folks from across the globe, BrightSide was able to increase the volume of produce we distributed each week in early 2026 by more than 60% in just a few weeks. That meant thousands more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables reaching families across the Twin Cities during a moment when access to food became suddenly more difficult for many.
The outpouring of support from neighbors right here in the Twin Cities and friends from around the country and across the globe was remarkable. It allowed us to respond quickly, expand our capacity, and make sure more families had fresh food on their tables.
While we anticipate returning to our typical distribution levels by the end of this month, the impact of these past weeks will last much longer. The relationships we’ve strengthened and the expanded systems we built will continue to shape our work moving forward. Food access needs don’t disappear overnight—and neither do we.
Responding to Community Needs Since the Beginning
BrightSide has always responded to community needs. In fact, that’s how we started.
More than a decade ago, co-founders Deedee Fuller and Adam Pruitt simply wanted to see healthier food options in the corner stores where their families and neighbors shopped. At the time, affordable fresh produce was hard to find in many neighborhood stores in North Minneapolis.
What began as a small effort to supply high-quality, affordable produce to local corner stores has grown into something much bigger.
Today, BrightSide partners with 45 neighborhood corner stores across Minneapolis and St. Paul, continuing that original mission of bringing fresh produce into communities where it hasn’t always been accessible.
But over the years, our work has expanded in many new directions.
What BrightSide Looks Like Today
Today, BrightSide operates a network of programs designed to increase access to fresh, affordable produce across the Twin Cities.
Our work now includes:
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Corner Store Partnerships: Delivering produce to 45 neighborhood stores across Minneapolis and St. Paul
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Home Delivery Programs: Including our Pay What You Can produce deliveries and the Online Farmers Market
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Food as Medicine Partnerships: Working with community health clinics to deliver fresh produce to food-insecure patients managing diet-related health conditions
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Farmers Markets: Operating in-person markets that connect communities with local growers and food makers
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Local Food Products: Producing DarkSide Snacks using upcycled produce
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Office Fruit Bowl Service: Bringing fresh fruit into workplaces across the Twin Cities
Each program plays a role in a larger vision.
Building a More Equitable Food System
Over our decade of work, BrightSide’s mission has grown into something bigger: building a more equitable food system by increasing access to affordable produce.
We do this in multiple ways: we bring fresh food directly into neighborhoods and homes where access has been limited, and at the same time, we strengthen the broader local food system by creating more markets and opportunities for small farmers and food producers.
Food access is a complex and deeply rooted issue. It doesn’t change with one solution. It requires multiple approaches, steady commitment, and strong community partnerships.
That’s why BrightSide continues to evolve and grow alongside the communities we serve.
A New Look for What’s Ahead
Which brings us to what’s next.
At the end of this month, BrightSide will be unveiling a new logo. Our current logo has been with us since 2014, and we’ve grown tremendously since then. It feels like the right time for a visual identity that better reflects who we are today and the scale of the work ahead.
Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the rollout in the coming weeks!