Frogtown Farm Annual Report 2024

Where Roots Grow Deepest:

TABLE OF

Contents Letter from the Land

03

From Gravel to Green

06

Voices of the Farm

09

Recipes, Roots & Resilience

12

Farming for the Future

15

By the Numbers

17

Looking Ahead

18

Gratitude & Support

22

A Living Timeline

The revolution will be planted —and broadcast.

Our Year of Growth

FROGTOWN FARM

ANNUAL REPORT

1

IMPACT REPORT

SEEDS OF CHANGE

4

8000

INCUBATOR FARMERS SUPPORTED

POUNDS OF PRODUCE HARVESTED

200+

FAMILIES RECEIVED WEEKLY FRESH PRODUCE

GUESTS FEATURED ON COMMUNITY ROOTS VOICES OF FROGTOWN RADIO SHOW

100+

PARTICIPANTS AT FLAVORS OF FROGTOWN WORKSHOPS

2

10

MURALS AND ART INSTALLATIONS COMPLETED

30+

PLANT VARIETIES GROWN

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, Lachelle Cunningham FROGTOWN FARM

“

This land has always held stories—of removal and return, harm and healing.

Today, it grows hope.

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.

ANNUAL REPORT

3

GRAVEL TO

Nestled on a 12.7-acre hill, Frogtown Farm is mor with history and hope. This land has witnessed an endured industrial scars, and transform

Dakota Stewardship

Glacial Era

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.

~10,000 BCE Glaciers carved this region, shaping fertile soil and laying the foundation for ecosystems and agriculture.

The land was used for gravel mining and industrial purposes, disrupting its ecology and contributing to long-term environmental degradation.

WHAT THE LAND GAVE Healing • Community ==• Nourishment • Purpose FROGTOWN FARM

1850S – 1970S

PRE-1600S-PRESENT

GREEN

more than soil and seeds—it’s a tapestry woven sed ancient glaciers, welcomed the Dakota nsformed into a vibrant community space.

“

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.

"From Gravel to Green"

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.

1940S – 2000S

2013 – PRESENT

Urban Expansion & Racial Exclusion Discriminatory housing policies cut Frogtown off from investment, infrastructure, and green space—deepening environmental and economic harm.

1930S – 1960S

WHAT WAS ON THE PLATE DAKOTA ERA: WILD RICE, BERRIES, FISH

TODAY: AMARANTH, BOK CHOY, COLLARDS GOOD SHEPHERD ERA: BEANS, LEAFY GREENS

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FROGTOWN FARM

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7

FROM SOIL TO SOVEREIGNTY FOOD IS FREEDOM. LAND IS POWER. AND THE SOIL BENEATH OUR FEET HOLDS THE FUTURE.

At Frogtown Farm, growing food is a radical act of care. It’s how we reclaim agency, restore ecosystems, and reimagine what’s possible for our community. Every harvest, every compost pile, every moment in the field is part of a living system where our values meet real, tangible outcomes.

This isn’t just a list of programs. It’s philosophy in action.

8,000+ lbs of food grown using regenerative practices

REGENERATIVE FOOD PRODUCTION 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 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.

In partnership with kilimo Minnesota

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 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.

This wasn’t surface-level engagement—it Top Crops Grown: 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.

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GROUNDED IN CONNECTION A SEASON OF SHARED LABOR, GLOBAL EXCHANGE, AND COLLECTIVE CARE

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.

LEARNING IN THE FIELD 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.

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FROM THE FIELD TO THE AIRWAVES THE REVOLUTION WILL BE PLANTED—AND BROADCAST.

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 5 Beats, Justice & Soil: Truth Maze on Music, Culture & Frogtown’s Legacy

Episode 8 Cooking Up Change: Youth, Food & Culture with Astrid Berger of Urban Roots

Episode 2 The Power of Urban Agriculture with Frogtown Green

Episode 6 Power to the People: Building a Stronger Frogtown with the FNA

Episode 9 Leading with Purpose: Frogtown Farm’s New Chapter with Eva Garrett

Episode 3 Digging In: Prepping the Land & Growing Community with Randel Hanson

Episode 7 Serving Justice, One Meal at a Time: Shobi’s Table & Radical Hospitality

Episode 10 Healing Through Art & Culture: Black Youth Healing Arts Center in Frogtown

Episode 4 Food Justice in Action: Making Healthy Food Accessible with Delinia Parris

Episode 8 Cooking Up Change: Youth, Food & Culture with Astrid Berger of Urban Roots

FROGTOWN FARM

SCAN TO LISTEN TO COMMUNITY ROOTS: VOICES OF FROGTOWN FARM ANNUAL REPORT

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FLAVORS OF FROGTOWN CULTURE IS SUSTENANCE. ART IS RESISTANCE. FOOD IS MEMORY.

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.

The Series: 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.

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THE ART OF NOURISHMENT WHERE FOOD, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER

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

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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

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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.

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.

BY THE NUMBERS

3 crops trialed (carrots, greens, onions) 6 growers engaged 1 scalable tool for small farms

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

BY THE NUMBERS

3 compost demonstration plots 2,000+ pounds of compost reintroduced into the soil 4.5 acres under regenerative practices

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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.

IMPACT SNAPSHOT 30+ Growers attended 10+ Resource organizations participated 1 Toolkit shared for continued connection

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OUR FINANCIAL ROOTS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Current Assets

18,320

Fixed Assets

132,789

Total Assets

151,109

Liabilities

5,938

Net Assets

145,170

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

151,109

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY Revenue Foundation Grants

153,176

Greater Twin Cities United Way

55,752

Individual Donations

15,307

Government Grants

2,705

Miscellaneous Total Revenue

151 227,091

Expenses

FROGTOWN FARM

Programming

11,707

Management and General

182,901

Fundraising

169,724

Total Expenses

364,332

Change in Net Assets

(137,240) ANNUAL REPORT

16

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 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

Feeding Frogtown

Second Harvest Heartland

The Sanneh Foundation plays a vital role in providing access to fresh, nutritious food for youth and families. Through our partnership, we supply fresh farm produce that supports community meals and youth nutrition programs

Through our partnership with Feeding Frogtown, we donated fresh produce to support over 200 families at their weekly food distributions at West Minnehaha Recreation Center and satellite locations at Wilder and Como Apartments.

One of the largest food banks in the nation, Second Harvest Heartland helps distribute Frogtown Farm’s produce to a broader network of food shelves and nonprofits. Their work ensures that fresh food reaches thousands of Minnesotans who need it most.

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“

We came for the food. We stayed for the future. \

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CULTIVATING

THE FUTURE 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 Farmer Land Access & 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.

Building Workforce & 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.

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Strengthening Food Access & 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 Community Engagement & Education We’ll offer more workshops, tours, and events that empower residents with tools 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 partnerships, we’re laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining farm that continues to nourish and uplift the Frogtown community for generations to come.

JOIN US IN CULTIVATING THE FUTURE THE SOIL IS READY. THE SEEDS ARE IN HAND. LET’S GROW SOMETHING LASTING—TOGETHER.

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.

Volunteer at Frogtown Farm

Support Sustainable Initiatives

Lend your time and skills—from planting and harvesting to supporting events and operations.

Your donation helps us advance our programming and agricultural initiatives. Scan the QR Code above to Support the Farm.

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ANNUAL REPORT

20

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community Individual Donors: Frogtown Farm Funders:

Emily Shepard

Amelia Hansa

Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation

Faith K Dietz

Andres Almarza

FR Bigelow

James Halgerson

Ann Pineles

St Paul & Minnesota Foundation

Jeanne Barker-Nunn

Anonymous

Metro Regional Arts Council

Jennifer Kedward

Brian Blair

Springboard for the Arts

Katherine Klink

Carreen Heegaard

Greater Twin Cities United Way

Kealoha Ferreira

Cathy Nguyen

Julia Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation

Kylie Nicholas

Chris Chookiatsirichai

MN Department of Agriculture

Laura Seidel Lucie Ross

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)

Mary C Voight Meghan Jacobson Michael Bauer Molly Mattson Nicole Groenke Noreen Tyler Sherrie Kamm Steve Boyd-Smith Terry Commerford

Frogtown Farm Staff: Lachelle Cunningham, Executive Director Eva Garrett, Farm Operations Manager Randy Hanson, Farm Consultant Michelle Miller, Administrative Manager

Susan B Elsass

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

Rebecca Krinke

Lisa Fazzink Justin McDougall Aneesa Parks

Kristen S H Kidder

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

Erin Lewis Audrey Ochtrup-DeKeyrel