This year’s heavy rains have significantly impacted many of the farms that supply natural foods cooperatives. Damage to crops is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and several farmers are facing the prospect of losing their farms. Impacted farms include such long-time Seward partners as Featherstone Farm, Heartbeet Farm, Hoch Orchard, Driftless Organics and more.

Co-ops around the Twin Cities and across the upper Midwest partnered to raise funds to assist these farms. Between Thursday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 23, Seward Co-op sold $452,249 in P6 sales, of which we committed to donate 1%, in the amount of $4,522. Additionally, generous owners and shoppers directly donated $268, bringing our combined total contribution to $4,790. Your help cultivates a stronger, healthier community; thanks to everyone who participated in this campaign to save our local farms!

Relief funds will be administered by the Cooperative Development Fund (CDS). CDS is a 501 (c) 3 charitable family of funds that advances economic development through cooperative enterprise. Their mission is to promote community, economic, and social development through cooperative enterprises.

If you wish to make a donation of your own, checks can be made out to:

Cooperative Development Fund of CDS
% Bob Olson
145 W. University Ave Suite 450
St. Paul MN 55103