4 Access Partners

This summer 4 Access Partners collaborated with Second Harvest Heartland and the Minnesota African Immigrant Farmers Association (MAIFA) on a pilot program designed to support small-scale, emerging farmers. Through this pilot program, six MAIFA farmers connected directly with six local food shelves, creating a win-win for both farmers and the community. Farmers were paid fair market prices for their produce, while food shelves received culturally relevant produce that’s often hard to come by. We’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen farmers from under-represented communities, provide access to fresh, culturally connected foods, and drive equity within our food systems. Huge thanks to Second Harvest Heartland and MAIFA for their commitment to making this vision a reality. And props to this amazing team! Christen Majors, MPH , Heidi Coe, Lindsey Ochmanek, Funwi Tita, Julien Munezero Ntegeye, Ariel Pressman

One of the key questions we always ask our clients is, "Could a consumer easily find your product on the shelf? What makes it stand out from the competition?" Because no matter how great your product tastes, if it’s not visible, it won’t sell! Yesterday, our 4 Access Partners experts guided a group of food entrepreneurs through a masterclass on packaging. We explored the technical aspects and dove into the critical role packaging plays in communicating your product features and brand story. Using our Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum business stage framework, we tailored insights to help each client understand how to focus their time and energy based on where their business currently stands. #retailpackaging #foodpackaging #4AP

Lots of familiar faces this week at the groundbreaking ceremony for NEON's Collective Kitchens. So fun to see everyone out to celebrate this monumental addition to the Northside!

Big things happening for Maazah! Congrats to Yasameen, Sheilla and crew. It's been an honor to witness your journey. ??

We love planning for the future with our friends at Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)... and we might just have a little bit of fun in the process. ?? #bestmeetingoftheweek #Partnerships #bigthingscoming

We love planning for the future with our friends at Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)... and we might just have a little bit of fun in the process. ?? #bestmeetingoftheweek #Partnerships #bigthingscoming

Following the launch of the Greater Twin Cities United Way Full Lives: Cultivating Food Justice RFP, we’ve reached a new and exciting milestone: awarding our first cohort! Four incredible collaborations have been selected to receive $1.2 million in funding to tackle food system challenges in their communities. We celebrated this milestone last week at our Kick-off event, and I’m thrilled to share a snapshot of their work below. A huge thank you to everyone who has tirelessly contributed to this journey—your dedication, partnership, and support have made this possible! Check out the photo to learn more, and be sure to follow and support their efforts! ?? Indigenous Food Network ?? Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON)/ 4 Access Partners/MN African Immigrant Farmers Association ?? - Sabathani Community Center /Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization/Healthy Roots Institute & City Food Studio ?? - Metro Food Justice Network Together, we’re building a more equitable and just food system! #FullLivesMN #FoodJustice #CommunityFoodSystems #CollaborativeChange #FoodSystemsFunding #GTCUW

What a great night! Thank you to Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) for organizing this Community Conversation featuring our friends at Kowalski's, Cargill and Better Greens, LLC. Great insight into the challenges facing the Food Industry and, more importantly, the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. #FoodIndustry #CommunityConversations #FoodEntrepreneurs

At 4 Access Partners, we believe that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, just like the stages of growth we support. ?? From Bronze to Silver, Gold, and Platinum, our 4-tiered system is designed to guide our entrepreneurs through each phase of their development. Every level brings its own curriculum, challenges, and rewards, tailored to meet their specific needs. We’re committed to providing the right resources at the right time, ensuring that our entrepreneurs have the support they need to thrive at every stage. Let’s grow together! #4AccessPartners #Entrepreneurship #GrowthJourney?

?? Meet the Intern: Peyton McKeehen, Special Projects Intern ??? Peyton has been working alongside industry veterans, Tom Zingsheim and John Castillo, to develop a tool to help our clients navigate the selection of equipment for their businesses, depending upon their current business stages and needs. Her research will benefit many of our current and future clients and we are excited to have her join us this summer. Thank you, Peyton, for your hard work and dedication! #MeetThe4APInterns #FoodIndustry #Nonprofit