Get the FAQs
WHAT IS SPROUT?
Sprout is a non-profit food hub that works to support the local food system in a variety of ways. Primarily, Sprout aggregates and distributes local produce from small family farms to help create markets that move local food to local people. At the Sprout facility in Little Falls, we host events, cooking classes, and indoor winter markets to create positive experiences & economic opportunities connecting local food, art, and culture.
Why does Sprout Exist?
Sprout exists to bridge the gap between agriculture, local foods and culture. Sprout was conceived on the belief that all growers deserve equal access to markets. We steadfastly commit to providing our growers with maximum opportunities, and strive to create more than market opportunities, including technical assistance, referrals to markets outside of our target markets, and any other assistance we can provide. Our goal is to keep small family farms farming.
Where is Sprout?
While Sprout exists in our hearts and minds, we also have a physical location in Little Falls, Minnesota in the former Crestliner facility. It’s here that we host our monthly Growers and Makers Marketplace, cooking classes, and other community events. The large warehouse space also houses our shared-use commercial kitchen, walk-in coolers, freezers and other storage spaces.
CSA
WHAT IS A CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It’s a farm-fresh culinary adventure that comes every week, wrapped up in a nice box.
Being a CSA member means being a “farming partner.” Your share is a pledge to share the inherent risks of agriculture (poor weather, drought, disease, early frosts, pests, crop failure) and in return, you'll reap the rewards (bounty from a good season or bounty of specific crop) involved in farming, connecting with the land, and knowing where your food is coming from.
Our farmers grow with the season, and a CSA is a reflection of what they’re pulling out of the soil. Early in the spring that might be fresh baby greens, radish, asparagus and snap peas. Mid-summer it could be tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli.
Being a CSA member means being a “farming partner.” Your share is a pledge to share the inherent risks of agriculture (poor weather, drought, disease, early frosts, pests, crop failure) and in return, you'll reap the rewards (bounty from a good season or bounty of specific crop) involved in farming, connecting with the land, and knowing where your food is coming from.
Our farmers grow with the season, and a CSA is a reflection of what they’re pulling out of the soil. Early in the spring that might be fresh baby greens, radish, asparagus and snap peas. Mid-summer it could be tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli.
I’ve heard a CSA be called a “Farm Share". Why does Sprout prefer to use "CSA"?
CSA is a more recognized term, and though a traditional CSA model invests in one farm, we still consider our shares to appropriately fit the concept of Community Supported Agriculture. As a food hub, Sprout is able to source from multiple farms for our CSA and other market channels, which means we play a unique role in our local foodshed. Local food aggregation and distribution is a key support to resilient food systems, especially in regions like ours that boast many small family farms.
Is the produce organic?
Many of the producers we work with have received Organic Certification. Those who are not certified use regenerative or sustainable growing practices. There can be barriers to farms obtaining and maintaining organic certification due to costs associated with the process and the length of time land is in organic production. For small operations, like many of the growers we work with, and beginning farmers, it may be worthwhile to focus investments on the sustainable agricultural practices themselves.
When does the CSA begin?
The 2021 summer program is set to begin in mid-June and will run for 16 weeks.
Can I sign up mid-season?
Yes! Depending on when you join in on our program mid-season, we will use a pro-rated price to get you on board!
What size share is right for me?
Your ideal share size depends on your eating and cooking habits and diets. Typically, a full share will be sufficient for a 2 person household who cook at home often and love vegetables. If your family goes out to eat often or isn’t used to cooking meals that are heavy on the fresh produce you may prefer the half share option.
Do I have to pick it up?
Yes, but we’ve got a number of locations to choose the spot that’s most convenient for you!
- Little Falls: Sprout MN, 609 13th Ave. NE, Suite 8, Little Falls, MN
- Brainerd: Crow Wing Food Co-op, 624 Laurel St., Brainerd, MN
- Baxter: Jack Pine Brewery, 15593 Edgewood Dr Baxter, MN
- Nisswa: Roundhouse Brewery, 23836 Smiley Rd, Nisswa, MN 15593 Edgewood Dr Baxter, MN
- St. Joseph: Bad Habit Brewing, 25 College Ave North, Saint Joseph, MN
What do I do if I’m away during a CSA pick up week?
This is a great opportunity to give your friend (you know, the one you have been raving to about the CSA) a time to try it out! Send someone to pick up your share that week, or simply let us know ahead of time and we can donate your share to our food relief efforts.
Can I cancel after the season has begun?
If you find you are not happy with your CSA experience or you move out of our service area, you can request a refund of the unused portion of your payment. Unfortunately, no refunds can be made after the 8-week mark of the season.
How will I know what is in my share each week?
Each week prior to pick up day, we send an email listing the contents of your share, the producer of each item along with additional information to assist you in the utilization of your share. The content list provided may not always be 100% accurate to what you will ultimately receive as there may be times we have to adjust at the last minute. If this happens, we will provide updates as we are able.
What if I don’t know how to cook something in the box?
Each week we send out information that includes storage tips and recipes to pair with your share. You can also check out Sprout's recipe page for dishes made during our cooking classes and events. If these recipes don’t tickle your tastebuds, check out these resources that utilize Minnesota grown ingredients for more inspiration:
- rootsandrecipes.org
- localfoodisessential.org (go to toolkit and enter your info to see recipes)
- lakewinds.coop/recipes
How do I sign up?
Sign up is easy! Go to SproutMN.com/csa.
- Pick your season
- Pick your share size
- Choose a pick up location that works best for you
I want something similar, but can’t commit to a full season. What should I do?
This Summer (June 2021) we are launching a new online store to facilitate the purchasing of local food. Stay tuned for more info!
What is in the box?
One of the fun aspects of participating in Sprout’s CSA program is learning how to eat seasonally. You can learn more about what products might be included in your CSA and when with this Seasonal Look at Produce resource. Please note, not all of the products listed will be found in your shares throughout the season and some of the timeframes products would be available may change due to Mother Nature.
For our Summer program, shares consist of six to ten items, heavy on the produce with herbs and eggs when available. The shares will vary in weight and size depending on the season: mid-June through September.
For our Winter program, shares consist of fall and winter produce, plus a mix of local meats, baked goods, farm fresh eggs, and more. Shares vary in weight and size throughout the season.
For our Summer program, shares consist of six to ten items, heavy on the produce with herbs and eggs when available. The shares will vary in weight and size depending on the season: mid-June through September.
For our Winter program, shares consist of fall and winter produce, plus a mix of local meats, baked goods, farm fresh eggs, and more. Shares vary in weight and size throughout the season.
DOES SPROUT OFFER A WINTER CSA?
Yes! If you are interested in participating in next season's program, get your name on the list and find more information here!
FOOD HUB
CAN I SELL MY FOOD TO SPROUT?
You can, and we'd love it. Getting your food into the local community shouldn’t be a challenge, so we make it as easy as possible. We’re prepared to buy in bulk and even pick it up right from your barn.
Does my food have to be Certified Organic?
Many of the producers we work with have received Organic Certification. Those who are not certified use regenerative or sustainable growing practices. There can be barriers to farms obtaining and maintaining organic certification due to costs associated with the process and the length of time land is in organic production. For small operations, like many of the growers we work with, and beginning farmers, it may be worthwhile to focus investments on the sustainable agricultural practices themselves.
AS A GROWER, DO I HAVE TO DROP OFF MY FOOD AT SPROUT?
We have a really cool facility and think you would love to see it. But we also understand how busy you are, well, farming. We’re happy to swing by, say hi, and load up your produce if it fits into our delivery schedule or we'll work to coordinate other alternatives.
Can I buy food for my school?
You certainly can. We believe in the importance of teaching youths where food comes from, how it’s made and why local food is so delicious. We’re a one-stop-shop for providing bulk produce, fresh from local farms.
Can I buy food for my house?
We almost insist that you do. With options to join a CSA, shop at a market, or order from our online store, there’s a variety of ways to feed anyone under your roof.
CAN I BUY FOOD FOR MY HOSPITAL?
Not only can you buy food for your hospital, we think it’s a great idea. Fresh, locally grown produce is a great step on the path to healthy living. And, many of our growers are probably your patients.
KITCHEN
How do I rent the kitchen?
Our certified kitchen is suited for nearly any cooking task, no matter how big or small. The first step is to complete our application so we can learn more about you and your plans for using the space.
CAn you help me get a license?
Whether you’re planning to prepare food for retail or wholesale sales, you’re likely to require a license through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Once we learn more about your food business dreams, we can help direct you to helpful resources and the appropriate contacts to initiate the process.
Can I store my food there?
We’re ready to store your food. Whether you need dry, cold, or frozen storage, we have the space and equipment to keep your food as fresh as possible .