It’s easy to forget that so many huge food brands are based in Minnesota, such as Land O’Lakes, Pillsbury, Kemps, and many more. A new exhibit on concourse C at MSP International Airport, “The Art of Food: A History of Minnesota Food Production,” proudly highlights the impact Minnesota has on the global food market. It runs through November 15, so make sure to leave extra time before your flight to take it all in.
For those staying close to home, a great place to visit is K’ul Chocolate’s new store on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. Peter Kelsey, former owner of New French Bakery, created these dark chocolate superfood bars packed with nuts and dried fruit. K’ul (pronounced cool) is the Mayan word for energy—the bars provide endurance, power, and stamina. Purchase them at many bike shops, co-ops, and other outlets.
If you’re inspired to launch your own food business, Midwest Pantry is here to help. Chad Gillard and Zoie and Amy Glass founded Midwest Pantry six years ago to help local entrepreneurs launch products by organizing food shows and marketing meetings. Anyone who has created a food item quickly learns that it takes a village to make it a success. Midwest Pantry is the conduit. Some of the more than 350 members include Red Table Meats, Isadore Nut Company, Terroir Chocolate, Thumbs Cookies, and Smude’s Sunflower Oil.
Sue Zelickson is the founder and director of Women Who Really Cook and Perspectives Family Center’s Kid Cafe. She is also co-founder of the Charlie Awards and former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.
Illustration by James Kloiber
