Cultivating Food Justice

FULL LIVES

Today, hunger and food insecurity are a reality for more than 500,000 Minnesotans – including more than 180,000 children. Full Lives partners with innovative nonprofits across the Twin Cities to strengthen community resources and collectively establish a regional food system that ensures all families have the food they need to thrive.

NOURISH NEIGHBORHOODS, GROW COMMUNITIES

In the Greater Twin Cities, many communities lack access to healthy, affordable food. The effects of these food injustices extend beyond households to a community’s educational, economic and health outcomes. By partnering with innovative organizations to transform the ways that food is produced, distributed and consumed, we can create a more equitable food system for all Minnesotans.

1 in 8

Greater Twin Cities residents are food insecure

1 in 3

Minnesotans have low retail access to healthy food

3%

of food agencies in the Greater Twin Cities offer fresh food for families in need

THE ROLE OF FULL LIVES

Part food security innovation and part economic incubator, Full Lives is a regional initiative that strives to not only increase access to healthy food but also create jobs and promote healthy communities throughout the Greater Twin Cities.

Launched in 2024, the latest phase of Full Lives invests $1.2 million in organizations whose work impacts the regional food system. Together with nonprofit leaders, we work to promote local agriculture, support entrepreneurs, foster new food businesses and improve food access throughout the Twin Cities’ nine counties.

Why Full Lives Matters →More About Our Partners →

OUR IMPACT IN PHASE ONE

Launched in 2017, the first phase of Full Lives focused on transforming food systems in North Minneapolis – widening food access and creating new economic opportunities that reverberated throughout our region.

14

new food sector businesses

12

acres of fruit and vegetable gardens

278

jobs created

$3.5M

in revenue

Download Full Lives Impact Report →Watch Full Lives Innovation Story →