We still have volunteer spots open for Monday, Sept. 4! 

Whether it’s handing out samples of dishes from our featured chefs, facilitating engaging activities celebrating MN-grown produce or lending a hand with food prep, volunteering at the Fair is a rewarding experience that helps to connect fairgoers with vital information about supporting local food systems and a more resilient future. Volunteers also get perks—an admittance ticket to the State Fair for the day you volunteer and an RTC limited-edition ‘local food’ organic cotton t-shirt!

Volunteer shifts are an average of three hours and are available in shifts from 9am to 7:30pm.

2023 Theme: Preserving Farmland for a Resilient Future

With more farmers aging out of farming and the increased repurposing of farmland for other uses, studies show 40% of MN farmland will be in a state of transition over the next 10-15 years.

While the cost of land continues to rise, so do the legitimate concerns on how land use will impact our soil, water and air, as well as food access and economic resilience in communities around the state. Thankfully, we've seen that people across Minnesota want to see an increase in farmland access for beginning and emerging farmers. We know that getting more farmers on the land will help strengthen local markets, communities and our ecosystem alike. Renewing the Countryside’s Preserving Farmland for a Resilient Future exhibit uplifts these ideas and explores ways that we can address this pressing and increasingly urgent issue together.   

The exhibit features storytelling that speaks to issues and solutions around farmland preservation and resilience playing out today and what we hope to see in the future. True to the theme, the array of activities we're coordinating also features Minnesota farmers and food-makers who will be sampling their products, hands-on activities for kids to learn more about MN-grown produce, daily demonstrations by celebrated Minnesotan chefs who will teach us their favorite recipes using MN ingredients, daily movie and local popcorn nights, and more!

Daily Schedule Overview (see details below) 

• 11-3pm: Minnesotan farmers and food-makers will be sampling their newest and most celebrated products!
• 11am, 1pm, 3pm: celebrated chefs, food-makers and cooks from across Minnesota will be demonstrating how to make their favorite recipes using Minnesotan ingredients, sharing samples and stories.
• 8am-8pm - Farmland preservation for resilient communities exhibit, local produce-themed kids activities and more!
• 7pm - movie screenings (with local popcorn) 

2023 Cooking Demonstration Schedule
All demos take place at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm!

The Healthy Local Food exhibit is made possible by our generous partners!

2023 Schedule of Sampler Partners

Every day from 9am to 3pm: The Meatery!

2022 Theme: Farm to Early Care, Farm to School

Our children are our future!

We're so thrilled to be able to work with a variety of Early Care providers, connecting them with healthy food from local farms, as well as Pint Size Produce information and activities. That's why these programs are called "Farm to Early Care and Education"! When you visit this year's Healthy Local Food Exhibit, you'll be able to see spotlights on some of these providers and the inspiring images of children in gardens. 

There are so many great books that can help children learn about gardening, local food, and where our food comes from. Here's a list of farm to early care books by BIPOC authors that we recommend as an easy way to approach food topics.

Past Healthy Local Food Exhibits