BrightSide Produce is thrilled to announce our recent partnership with Food Recovery Network (FRN) to help increase access to fresh produce for kids and families across Ramsey County. Together, we’re working to fight hunger and nutrition insecurity by getting fresh fruits and vegetables into the hands of families who need them most.
FRN is a national leader in the food recovery movement, rescuing surplus food from across the supply chain and redirecting it to people experiencing food insecurity. Their model is simple but powerful: keep good food out of landfills and on the plates of community members. We’re proud to support this mission by helping FRN source fresh produce for their local distribution efforts.
Throughout this spring and summer, FRN has been hosting free community produce events, namely pop-up farmers market-style distributions at schools and community centers in Ramsey County. These events are designed with dignity in mind. Families browse the fresh produce and choose what they want, just like at a market, but all produce is given at no charge.
So far, BrightSide and the Food Recovery Network have distributed nearly 10,000 pounds of produce over four community events. BrightSide is just one of several suppliers, so the total food given is even higher. We ensure that the produce is high-quality, sourced through our local networks and partnerships. By combining BrightSide's community-rooted distribution system with FRN’s recovery and giveaway model, we’re able to reach more families and make a bigger impact together.
We’re excited about what this partnership represents: collaborative solutions to systemic problems. BrightSide Produce, a local community-centered nonprofit, and FRN, the largest student-led movement recovering surplus food in the U.S., are working together to make healthy, fresh food more accessible in Ramsey County.
Learn more about Food Recovery Network’s amazing work at foodrecoverynetwork.org