Make summer vegetables last all year long by fermenting them! Fermented foods go through a process of lacto-fermentation, meaning natural bacteria convert the sugars and starches in food to create lactic acid. There are many wonderful benefits of eating fermented foods, especially the nutritional ones provided by probiotics that develop during the fermentation process.

Featherstone Farm grows over 40 different kinds of certified organic fruits and vegetables on their farm in nearby Rushford, MN. Over the past 25 years, they’ve balanced big picture goals of improving ecological and human health with the day-to-day realities of agricultural economics and consumer needs. Throughout the years, erratic weather patterns and a changing climate have given them significant challenges, yet they continue to innovate and grow amazingly fresh, nutritious, organic fruits and vegetables that end up at the co-op. There’s hardly a month that Featherstone’s organic produce isn’t represented on Mississippi Market’s shelves.

August’s Positive Change recipient is The Lift Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families who live in Saint Paul’s Payne-Phalen neighborhood. The Lift offers age-specific programs customized for at-risk youth focused on strengthening leadership development skills. Your donated August Positive Change funds will support mental and physical wellness improvements in The Lift’s elementary and teen programs.