The UMN Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership has a commitment to support the "local food movement". Some of the best wholesome foods are grown right here in northwest Minnesota. Through the Buy Fresh, Buy Local Red River Valley chapter, we are launching a series of  articles, photos and recipes featuring chefs that use foods grown in Northwest Minnesota. The chefs, locations, and food on the menu are handmade, one-of-a-kind and very extraordinary.  The selected restaurant owners knew some of their growers personally, which provides great "farm to table" conversations. Local food-local business owner relationships also help to build something else: They put the word "family" alongside the word  "farm".