Food Access Funding Initiative

The Food Access Funding Initiative supports communities working to overcome barriers to good health.

Funded projects are implementing strategies to improve health and uplift the needs of those most impacted by food insecurity.

Funded projects promote leadership and decision-making by people most impacted by food insecurity. Blue Cross awarded $1.2M in funding per year for up to three years to 12 Minnesota nonprofit organizations. Organizations that have been awarded funding are: American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), Appetite for Change (AFC), Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization (CMCEO), Dream of Wild Health, Foundation For Essential Needs (FFEN), Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA), Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Inc., Minnesota Seeds of Justice (MNSOJ), Prairie Rose Agricultural Institute for Research, Innovation & Education (PRAIRIE), Sharing Our Roots (SOR), University of Minnesota Morris, and Urban Roots MN.

Food access goals:

• Increase access to healthy and affordable foods.
• Ensure underserved communities help shape Minnesota’s food systems.
• Reduce food insecurity by addressing root causes and investing in community-identified solutions.