Where Roots Grow Deepest:
IMPACT REPORT SEEDS OF CHANGE
200+
FAMILIES RECEIVED WEEKLY FRESH PRODUCE
POUNDS OF PRODUCE HARVESTED
4 INCUBATOR FARMERS SUPPORTED
100+ PARTICIPANTS AT FLAVORS OF FROGTOWN WORKSHOPS
10 GUESTS FEATURED ON COMMUNITY ROOTS VOICES OF FROGTOWN RADIO SHOW
30+
PLANT VARIETIES GROWN
2 MURALS AND ART INSTALLATIONS
15 RECIPES CREATED AND TESTED WITH COMMUNITY
A Letter from the Land
DEAR FRIENDS,
If these fields could talk, they would tell a story of resilience—of a community that holds tight to hope, even when the winds shift. They’d whisper about the hands that tilled this soil, the hearts that believed in this land, and the dreams planted with every seed. There’s a truth I hold close: growth is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it. This past year has stretched us, tested us, and called on us to dig deep. Yet through it all, the heart of Frogtown Farm remains steady— beating with purpose and possibility. We’ve faced financial uncertainty, reimagined our operations, and made tough choices. It’s no secret: things have been hard. But hard times are when roots grow deepest. We’re leaning into this season of change, knowing that what we plant now will lead to an even more abundant harvest.
Our shift to a farm incubation model isn’t just a pivot—it’s a promise. A promise to nurture this land, support emerging growers, and keep fresh, healthy food flowing to our neighbors. It’s a promise to build something that not only sustains— but transforms. In the months ahead, you’ll see new faces on the farm, new partnerships blooming, and new opportunities to be part of this story. We’re creating something sustainable. Something that will double our impact and deepen our connection to this land and each other.
To every volunteer who showed up, every donor who believed, every neighbor who offered a kind word—thank you. You are the foundation of Frogtown Farm. Your love, energy, and presence carry us forward.
Together, we are planting seeds of change. And I believe, with all my heart, that the future we’re growing is bright.
With love, gratitude, and hope,
LachelleCunningham
At Frogtown Farm, we grow more than food—we grow power, purpose, and possibility. Through land access, workforce development, and communityled agriculture, we build financial resilience and food sovereignty in the heart of St. Paul.
Mission
To enrich the world by cultivating soil and community in Frogtown
Vision
We envision a thriving Frogtown where land, food, and community are deeply connected sparking healing, justice, and transformation far beyond our neighborhood.
Values
We believe land is sacred and healing. We prioritize community voices and leadership. We steward resources responsibly and sustainably.
We center food, culture, and justice in everything we do.
Glaciers carved this region, shaping fertile soil and laying the foundation for ecosystems and agriculture.
Nestled on a 12.7-acre hill, Frogtown Farm is mor with historyand hope This land haswitnessed an endured industrial scars, and transform
The Dakota people have long stewarded this land with care, cultivating native plants, harvesting wild rice, and practicing sustainable land use grounded in respect and reciprocity.
The land was used for gravel mining and industrial purposes, disrupting its ecology and contributing to long-term environmental degradation.
GREEN
more than soil and seeds it’s a tapestrywoven sed ancient glaciers,welcomed the Dakota nsformed into avibrant communityspace.
This land has always held stories of removal and return, harm and healing. Today, it grows hope.
Industrial Era
Frogtown Farm Rebirth
Born from a community-led vision, Frogtown Farm reclaimed this land as a place of healing, food justice, and empowerment for future generations.
Good Shepherd Era
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd transformed part of the land into a place of refuge for displaced girls and women planting gardens and sowing care.
2013
Urban Expansion & Racial Exclusion
Discriminatory housing policies cut Frogtown off from investment, infrastructure, and green space deepening environmental and economic harm.
FROM SOIL TO SOVEREIGNTY FROM SOIL TO SOVEREIGNTY FROM SOIL TO
At Frogtown Farm, growing food is a radical ecosystems, and reimagine what’s possible every moment in the field is part of a living s
This isn’t just a list of programs. It’s philosoph
REGENERATIVE FOOD PRODUCT REGENERATIVE FOOD PRODUCT
We grow food to nourish, not to extract. In 2024, Frogtown Farm cultivated over 8,000 pounds of nutrient-dense produce using low- and no-till methods, cover cropping, and organic composting Our fields produced everything from leafy greens and hearty root vegetables to culturally meaningful crops like amaranth and bok choy foods that reflect and respect the communities we serve.
The land was treated as a partner, not a product stewarded with care, intention, and responsibility
LAND AS A LAUNCHPAD: FARM INCUBATION LAND AS A LAUNCHPAD: FARM INCUBATION
8,000+lbsoffoodgrown usingregenerativepractices
In 2024, we deepened our commitment to farmer training and economic opportunity by supporting four emerging growers through our farm incubation initiative.
In partnership with Kilimo Minnesota an organization founded to empower African immigrant farmers we provided access to land, tools, compost systems, wash stations, and shared infrastructure that allowed growers to put down roots and grow with confidence. Farmers also received mentorship in regenerative practices, crop planning, and organic production techniques designed for long-term sustainability.
Kilimo’s model emphasizes not just farm skills, but economic resilience By organizing farmers into cooperatives and providing multi-year support, Kilimo ensures that those navigating new climates and cultural systems have the tools to succeed and thrive in agriculture.
LAND AS A LAUNCHPAD: FARM INCUBATION LAND AS A LAUNCHPAD: FARM INCUBATION
Through partnerships with Saint Paul’s Right Track Program and internships with local colleges, four interns engaged in a hands-on learning experience rooted in food justice, soil health, and systems change. They helped manage compost, supported community events, and participated in farm production from seed to harvest.
Top Crops Grown:
This wasn’t surface-level engagement it was deep, immersive, and transformative These young leaders left with more than skills they left with a stake in the food system and the confidence to shape what comes next.
In partnership with kilimo Minnesota
GROUNDED IN CONNECTION
ASEASONOFSHAREDLABOR,GLOBALEXCHANGE,ANDCOLLECTIVECARE
In 2024, Frogtown Farm opened its gates to neighbors, movement builders, students, artists, and volunteers. Some came with work gloves, some with questions but all left more connected to the land and to each other.
This wasn’t charity It was shared labor Collective knowledge Mutual respect Whether pulling weeds alongside Whole Foods volunteers or exchanging food justice strategies with global partners from Niger and Peru, the farm became a meeting ground for real-world learning and people-powered change.
A LABOR OF LOVE
From local co-ops to national nonprofits, our farm was powered by people who showed up with open hearts and ready hands. We offered open volunteer sessions throughout the growing season welcoming neighbors, youth, and workgroups to take part in everything from turning compost to harvesting crops.
Volunteer groups included:
Whole Foods
Greater Twin Cities United Way Individual community members during open hours
Their impact extended beyond the rows building a culture of care that fed the soil and the spirit.
Frogtown Farm served as both host and teacher to a wide array of guests this year from high schoolers studying nutrition to global leaders working at the intersection of culture, climate, and food systems
Notable 2024 Visitors:
University of Minnesota Nutrition Program
Mayor’s Office of St Paul Trust for Public Land
McKnight Foundation (with partners including Indigenous Roots, Sprout MN, Lower Sioux Indian Community, Waterers, Reimagining Appalachia, CRESPIAL [Peru], INRAN [Niger], Instituto Apoyo [Peru])
These visits weren’t one-way exchanges They were dialogues. Experiences. Seeds for what’s possible when we share knowledge across borders and root it in place.
FROM THE FIELD TO THE AIRWAVES
THEREVOLUTIONWILLBEPLANTED—ANDBROADCAST.
In 2024, we took to the airwaves with Community Roots: Voices of Frogtown Farm, a weekly radio show on Frogtown Radio WFNU 94.1FM that lifted up the voices of growers, organizers, artists, healers, and neighbors shaping the food justice movement.
Hosted by Frogtown Farm’s Executive Director, the show became a storytelling space where community members could speak their truths, celebrate culture, and challenge the narratives that have long excluded them From farmworkers sharing their dreams to youth reflecting on their futures, each episode sowed seeds of connection, visibility, and empowerment
Whether tuning in on the radio or catching replays online, listeners were invited into real conversations rooted in place, purpose, and people power.
Lachelle Cunningham Host/Executive Director
Rooted Dialogues
Episode 1
Flava, Farming & Community: A Conversation with Shaunie Grigsby
Episode 2
The Power of Urban Agriculture with Frogtown Green
Episode 3
Digging In: Prepping the Land & Growing Community with Randel Hanson
Episode 4
Food Justice in Action: Making Healthy Food Accessible with Delinia Parris
Episode 5
Beats, Justice & Soil: Truth Maze on Music, Culture & Frogtown’s Legacy
Episode 6
Power to the People: Building a Stronger Frogtown with the FNA
Episode 7
Serving Justice, One Meal at a Time: Shobi’s Table & Radical Hospitality
Episode 8
Cooking Up Change: Youth, Food & Culture with Astrid Berger of Urban Roots
Episode 8
Cooking Up Change: Youth, Food & Culture with Astrid Berger of Urban Roots
Episode 9
Leading with Purpose: Frogtown Farm’s New Chapter with Eva Garrett
Episode 10
Healing Through Art & Culture: Black Youth Healing Arts Center in Frogtown
SCAN TO LISTEN TO COMMUNITY
ROOTS: VOICES OF FROGTOWN FARM
FLAVORS OF FROGTOWN
The Series:
A JOURNEY THROUGH STORIES AND CUISINE
In 2024, Frogtown Farm brought together stories, spices, and community through Flavors of Frogtown —a four-part seasonal gathering rooted in culinary traditions, land stewardship, and cultural celebration. These weren’t just cooking demos. They were ceremonies of connection
Each event explored food as heritage and healing, guided by community chefs, artists, and culture bearers. From pickling practices passed down across generations to roasted vegetables seasoned with stories of resistance, the farm became a living kitchen a space where everyone had a seat at the table.
Juneteenth: Roasting as Resistance – Honoring Black agricultural traditions and freedom through shared meals and open flame
Foraging & Backcountry Cooking – In partnership with Wilderness Inquiry, community members learned to identify and prepare wild edibles.
The Art of Pickling – Led by Natural Roots Wellness, this session explored pickling across Korean, Mexican, and Eastern European traditions.
Harvest Festival & Food Preservation – A joyful celebration of canning, storytelling, and seasonal eating
THE ART OF NOURISHMENT
WHEREFOOD,CULTURE,ANDCOMMUNITYCAMETOGETHER
BY THE NUMBERS
The flavors, the people, the impact.
150+ community participants
4 interactive workshops
12 educational guides
15 recipes created
6 storytellers featured
4 commissioned artists
2 guest chefs
Countless jars, memories, and meals shared
LISTENING IS LEADERSHIP
ROOTED IN THE VOICES OF FROGTOWN
In 2024, Frogtown Farm didn’t just plant crops we planted conversations Through a series of four community listening sessions facilitated by FZM Impact Group, we gathered with neighbors, youth, elders, growers, and dreamers to ask: What do you want this land to grow?
Hosted over shared meals in partnership with local organizations like Youth Farm, these gatherings became spaces for reflection, reimagination, and co-creation. We spoke about food, justice, sustainability, and what it means to serve the community with intention. These sessions directly shaped our 2024 crop plans, programming, and partnerships proving that the best ideas are born at the table, not the boardroom.
The final session, held virtually, extended our reach and making space for even more community input in our shared future.
BY THE NUMBERS
100+ NEIGHBORS ENGAGED
4 COMMUNITY MEALS SHARED DOZENS OF IDEAS GATHERED TO SHAPE 2024 CROP PLANS AND FUTURE PROGRAMMING 4 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
FARMING FORWARD
ROOTED IN REGENERATION & INNOVATION
At Frogtown Farm, sustainability isn’t a trend it’s tradition and trajectory. Every compost pile, cover crop, and community gathering is part of a long-term commitment to regenerate land, reimagine farming systems, and return power to the people who steward the soil
In 2024, we deepened this commitment by piloting groundbreaking tools, sharing regenerative techniques, and convening growers from across the city to exchange wisdom and resources.
REGENERATIVE FARMING IN ACTION
Our closed-loop farming system emphasizes long-term soil health and climate resilience In 2024, we integrated:
Cover cropping and composting using food scraps and organic material
No-till and low-till practices that preserved soil structure and minimized disruption
Soil-building amendments like coffee grounds from Bizzy Coffee and local compost partners
BYTHENUMBERS
3compostdemonstrationplots
2,000+poundsofcompostreintroduced intothesoil
4.5acresunderregenerativepractices
SARE RESEARCH: INNOVATION ROOTED IN EQUITY
With support from the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, we tested RootThru, a compostable weed barrier, in partnership with Kilimo Minnesota and 6 local growers. Used on crops like carrots, leafy greens, and onions, the trials revealed promising results: less manual labor, healthier soil, and scalable solutions for urban farms working with limited time and resources.
BYTHENUMBERS
3cropstrialed(carrots,greens,onions) 6growersengaged 1scalabletoolforsmallfarms
FARM CONNECT
BUILDING THE GROWER NETWORK
In spring 2024, Frogtown Farm hosted the Farm Connect event, bringing together growers, technical assistance providers, and resource organizations. Co-hosted with USDA and UMN Extension, this event equipped farmers with tools to access grants, navigate certification processes, and build community-driven farm businesses
IIMPMPACT SNAPSHOT ACT SNAPSHOT
30+ Growers attended 10+ Resource organizations participated
1 Toolkit shared for continued connection
STATEMENT
OFFINANCIALPOSITION
OUR FINANCIAL ROOTS
STATEMENTOFACTIVITY
FROM SEED TO TABLE
WHERE NOURISHMENT BEGINS
At Frogtown Farm, every tomato, turnip, and tender green begins with intention In 2024, our produce didn’t just grow in the soil it grew into community meals, food shelves, and family tables.
Through our regenerative farming practices, partnerships, and people-powered harvesting, the food we grow makes its way from the heart of Frogtown to neighbors across the city.
Together with Feeding Frogtown, The Sanneh Foundation, and Second Harvest Heartland, we ensure that every harvest feeds more than just a plate it feeds a movement for food justice.
BY BY THE NUMBERS THE NUMBERS
8,000+ lbs of produce harvested
200+ families served through Feeding Frogtown
3 food distribution partners across Saint Paul
6+ varieties of culturally relevant crops grown and shared
30+ plant varieties grown
Strengthening Community Ties: Our Partnerships in Action
Our impact extends beyond the fields through key partnerships, we ensure that fresh, healthy food reaches families across the community.
Sanneh Foundation
TheSannehFoundationplaysa vitalroleinprovidingaccessto fresh,nutritiousfoodforyouth andfamilies Throughour partnership,wesupplyfresh farmproducethatsupports communitymealsandyouth nutritionprograms
Feeding Frogtown
Throughourpartnershipwith FeedingFrogtown,wedonated freshproducetosupportover200 familiesattheirweeklyfood distributionsatWestMinnehaha RecreationCenterandsatellite locationsatWilderandComo Apartments
Second Harvest Heartland
Oneofthelargestfoodbanksinthe nation,SecondHarvestHeartland helpsdistributeFrogtownFarm’s producetoabroadernetworkof foodshelvesandnonprofits.Their workensuresthatfreshfood reachesthousandsofMinnesotans whoneeditmost.
“ We came for the food. We stayed for the future.
THE FUTURE CULTIVATING
WHERE NOURISHMENT BEGINS
As we move into 2025, Frogtown Farm is planting with intention—investing in people, partnerships, and the power of the land Our goals reflect a deeper commitment to food sovereignty, economic opportunity, and long-term resilience.
KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2025
Expanding FarmerLandAccess & Incubation
We're scaling our incubation model to support more emerging farmers with affordable land, shared tools, and training. This program lowers barriers and builds pathways toward agricultural ownership, community wealth, and generational impact.
BuildingWorkforce & Economic Pathways
From high school internships to community apprenticeships, we’ll continue offering paid, hands-on training in regenerative agriculture These experiences prepare participants to lead in food systems, business, and environmental justice work.
Strengthening FoodAccess & Distribution
By growing our partnerships with Feeding Frogtown, The Sanneh Foundation, local food shelves, and community kitchens, we will get thousands of pounds of fresh produce into the hands of families who need it most.
Deepening CommunityEngagement & Education
We’ll offer more workshops, tours, and events that empower residents with tool to grow food, steward land, and organize for change. Because the future we’re building belongs to all of us.
Securing Long-Term Financial Stability
Through earned income programs, new grant funding, and strategic partnership we’re laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining farm that continues to nourish uplift the Frogtown community for generations to come
SUPPORT FROGTOWN FARM
We believe food is a right, not a privilege But we can’t do this work alone The future of Frogtown is community-built and your support helps it grow stronger every season
Lend your time and skills from planting and harvesting to supporting events and operations Scan the QR Code above to fill out an interest form
Your donation helps us advance our programming and agricultural initiatives Scan the QR Code above to Support the Farm
Want to hear what’s growing? Join our mailing list to get seasonal updates, event invites, volunteer opportunities, and stories from the field straight from Frogtown to your inbox
AHeartfeltThankYoutoOurCommunity
Frogtown Farm Funders:
Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation
FR Bigelow
St Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Metro Regional Arts Council
Springboard for the Arts
Greater Twin Cities United Way
Julia Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation
MN Department of Agriculture
Volunteers and Supporters
The FY2024 Board of Directors includes:
Shaunie Grigsby, Board Chair
Queen Frye, Board Treasurer
Phillip McGraw, Board Secretary
Jamal Hashi
Previous members who served on the board include Eva Garrett (former Board Chair), Queen Frye, (Board Treasurer), Melinda Lewis (Board Member)
Frogtown Farm Staff:
Lachelle Cunningham, Executive Director
Eva Garrett, Farm Operations Manager
Randy Hanson, Farm Consultant
Michelle Miller, Administrative Manager
Contributers:
Keanue Driscoll-Cherland, Farm Manager for 2024 Season
Lucy Seiler
Alissa Perteet- Jackson
Melissa Kelley
Fatima Muhammad
Chef Brian Stansberry
Jordan Hamilton, Mural Artist
Truthmaze, Community Artist
Janelle Giles, Community Artist
Individual Donors:
Emily Shepard
Faith K Dietz
James Halgerson
Jeanne Barker-Nunn
Jennifer Kedward
Katherine Klink
Kealoha Ferreira
Kylie Nicholas
Laura Seidel
Lucie Ross
Mary C Voight
Meghan Jacobson
Michael Bauer
Molly Mattson
Nicole Groenke
Noreen Tyler
Sherrie Kamm
Steve Boyd-Smith
Terry Commerford
Susan B Elsass
Lisa Fazzink
Justin McDougall
Aneesa Parks
Rebecca Krinke
Kristen S H Kidder
Erin Lewis
Amelia Hansa
Andres Almarza
Ann Pineles
Anonymous
Brian Blair
Carreen Heegaard
Cathy Nguyen
Chris Chookiatsirichai
Christian Preston
Daniele Maeder
Diane Dodge
Donald Lewis
EGG/PLANT SUPPLY
On Stage Lucas Erickson
Pauline Eichten
Randel Hanson
Roderick McCulloch
Sam and Hannah Scheuneman Olson
Wendy Stansbury-O'Donnell
Wendy Harris
Dennis Shegos
Connor Overturf
Sherry Gray
Kari Olsen
Audrey Ochtrup-DeKeyrel