A free, fresh food market has opened its doors to shoppers in Maplewood

The first location for Today’s Harvest, a program under Open Cupboard, opened in Oakdale in 2021. Shoppers just need to provide a zip code and to access Today’s Harvest as much as needed. The market’s growth since its opening paved a pathway to opening a second location in Maplewood, where employees say a large portion of shoppers live.  

Jessica Francis, the executive director, said adding the second location allows for those shoppers to access the market easily. It will also attract new shoppers.  

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this level of accessibility to the Maplewood and East Side Community,” said Francis. She says the market’s location is also on a bus line. 

The fresh food and produce are donated by local Twin Cities’ grocery stores. 

In addition, Today’s Harvest received a grant to partner with The Good Acre, an organization aimed at supporting emerging farmers, with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The organization will help provide fresh produce. 

Today’s Harvest also partnered with other organizations, including Second Harvest Heartland, an organization that addresses food insecurity.  

Kayla Glaraton is the market’s director. She said the market will offer a diverse range of food for its shoppers based on community needs. 

“Produce like watermelon radishes, red cabbage, green cabbage and a lot of those fresh produce that people are looking for. We also have halal meat available upon request at our market,” said Glaraton.  

In 2023, Minnesotans made over 7.5 million visits to food shelves. Francis says it’s expected that the new location will help 700 households every weekday.  

“When you need more, you can come back. No appointments, no barriers,” said Francis. “They [shoppers] can just always know that no matter what else is happening in their life, that they can have that access to the fresh food they need.” 

Today’s Harvest locations are open Monday through Saturday. Drive-up and delivery options are available with information regarding services online. 

• Maplewood — 1740 Van Dyke Street, Maplewood, MN, 55109

• Oakdale — 8264 4th Street North, Oakdale, MN, 55128