Kate works for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as the Farm to Institution Coordinator, supporting institutional market development for Minnesota grown and raised foods. In this role, she coordinates statewide Farm to School programming, training, technical support aimed at increasing local food purchasing and food/agriculture education in schools. She also works closely with partners to support market access for small and emerging farmers and strengthen local and regional supply chains.

Prior to her work at Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Kate spent six years leading Minneapolis Public Schools’ Farm to School program, overseeing the district’s local food procurement and education. Kate holds a B.A. from St. Olaf College and a M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems from Arizona State University with a Masters in Sustainable Food Systems.

In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time outdoors with her toddler and dogs, traveling, reading, and enjoying good food with friends and family.

Kate’s vision for Seward Co-op is a thriving and inclusive community grounded in equity and shared values—where everyone who walks through the Seward doors feel their bodies nourished, their principles and values represented, and their community sustained.