MARKET MASKS. Like other food-related businesses, Menomonie Market Food Co-Op had to adapt quickly to the realities of COVID-19.

As the pandemic continues, food processors across the Chippewa Valley see a spark of hope through the annual Fund Our Foodshed grants, which were awarded by the Menomonie Market Food Co-Op in September. The grant program, held annually, reflects the co-op’s mission to establish a “thriving and healthy community by the growth of regional farming, food processing, and product development in the Chippewa Valley.” Each recipient this year was awarded $1,500, and their stories will be broadcast across the Menomonie Food Market Co-Op social media and in-store platforms. The winners and their projects are listed below, according to the co-op’s announcement:

SACRED BLOSSOM FARM is an herb and tea farm located in Mondovi primarily run by Tony DiMaggio. The co-op funded new-and-improved biodegradable packaging for teas, as well as graphic design and photography services for the farm’s brand relaunch.

HARVEST MOON ORGANICS is an organic meat farm located in Cadott, and is locally run by the Drilling Family. The co-op has funded new equipment, materials, and resources to double or triple the capacity of their livestock production.

L.T.D FARM is a local produce farm in Clayton and is led by Khaiti Hallstein. The co-op assisted with Hallstein’s purchase for materials to build a better pack shed for processing produce, resources to add a small pear orchard to their land, and a digger attachment for their tractor.

For more information on future Menomonie Food Market Co-Op events and ways to support local farming, visit www.mmfc.coop.