Riverwood's Reach with Aitkin Farm Fresh

Editor: Hannah Colby, RD, LD, CLS

Aitkin County Public Health

Riverwood Healthcare Center (Riverwood), with the support of the Aitkin Farmers Market Hub (AFM Hub) and Aitkin County Public Health's Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), received a Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) grant with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The grant is supporting Riverwood to purchase local food to create Aitkin Farm Fresh boxes that are readily available to be distributed to individuals, particularly seniors. The primary goal of this grant is to source 100% of the food from local farms and distribute to underserved communities. "This new food program is offered under our Riverwood Connects community outreach umbrella along with Find Help and Food Rx, which we launched last year. Together with our community partners we are striving to address hunger and improve health for local community members," explains Rachel Johnson, population health program manager.

In March, Riverwood and the AFM Hub aggregated for their third consecutive month with each box featuring food from hyperlocal and nearby farms. "We always buy as locally as possible," says Allison Rian, Aitkin Farmers Market Hub manager. "So this grant, which requires food purchased be grown in Minnesota or boarding counties, was a good fit for us. We're grateful we can provide local food to local residents." This month's box featured: honey (Sorben Honey), maple syrup (Timer's Sugar Shack), brats (Righteous Oaks Farm), eggs (Josiah and Asher Nix - Righteous Oaks Farm, Ole Lake Farm and AlliCat Farm), purple carrots (Food Farm), cabbage (Food Farm), flour (Ole Lake Farm) and wild rice (Master's Maples). A few items that make this a nutrient dense box are the flour, eggs and brats.

The flour is provided by Ole Lake Farm which is located in Aitkin, MN. Ole Lake Farm is home to farmers Keven and Debby Flowers. The turkey red whole wheat flour is a heirloom variety of hard red wheat that is prized by bakers. This flour includes the whole grain with nothing removed or added. Whole-grain foods are good choices for a nutritious diet. Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. Ole Lake Farm sells both turkey red whole wheat flour and rye flour.

The brats and eggs are provided by the kids at Righteous Oaks Farm which is a diverse, solar-powered small family farm. They are located on their century - family farm in southern Aitkin county. Eggs and brats are both good protein sources. It is important for individuals to consume protein every day. Daily protein intake plays a role in keeping your cells in good shape. Protein is also an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage and skin. In fact, your hair and nails are comprised mostly of protein. Righteous Oaks Farm sells pure maple syrup, pastured broiler chickens, pastured pork, grass - fed beef, pastured eggs, brats, jams, jellies and pickles.

These nutrient dense foods are aggregated in boxes at Riverwood with the help of the Aitkin School District's Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization and volunteers from Riverwood's Auxiliary. Once the boxes are ready to be distributed, Riverwood partners with Aitkin County CARE and Angels of McGregor who distribute them across the county. Each organization receives a total of 30 boxes.

Last month, food insecurity was identified in the Palisade area and all 60 boxes were distributed by Aitkin County CARE. "It's clear that there is a need for food is in our communities throughout the county," explains Dawn Harrison program director of outreach for Aitkin County CARE. "People are receptive and appreciative when we bring the food to where they are. When there are fresh vegetables especially, that's a real hit! There are several community members who are raising their grandchildren and have shared that these food boxes really make a positive difference in their lives."

The collaboration work among this multi - sector program is making a difference in the lives of our community members. Aitkin Farm Fresh connects farmers to local community members who would not normally have access to farm fresh produce, meats, and goods.

Amy M. Wyant, executive director of Aitkin County CARE, states "when several local entities collaborate on a project which serves our community members throughout Aitkin County, we can and will continue to make a positive difference in people's lives and help them thrive."

The intent is to assist local farmers with procuring their food during the hardest times of the winter months and to assist food - insecure community members. Riverwood plans on offering the Aitkin Farm Fresh program during the winter months in 2025 as well. If MDA is able to secure additional funding, then there will be an opportunity to extend this program for an additional year beyond 2025.