Photo courtesy of Midwest Pantry
I remember the first time I tried one of those spicy, Lucille’s Kitchen Garden pepper jams. It was 2007 at the Mill City Farmers Market. The bright raspberry, the hint of pepper, it was the perfect local food. Amy Glass co-founded that company with her spouse Zoie Glass, and built it from nothing into a self-distributed jam you see at retailers all over the place.
But now Amy is the one who needs help. She was just diagnosed with an aggressive Stage IV breast cancer. It started in her breast, moved to her lung and lymph nodes. She’s done five rounds of chemotherapy, and isn’t able to work. She needs our help. Four “Kick Cancer – Buy Jam” events will be happening over the next several weekends. Buying jam, or some other local products, will help Amy and Zoie keep their business afloat, and help them keep the insurance needed to try to save Amy’s life.
Amy, Zoie and their daughter. Photo provided by Midwest Pantry
Zoie is also a co-founder of Midwest Pantry, started in 2010 with friend Chad Gillard. Midwest Pantry does trade shows and educational sessions with regional food producers, trying to help them take the step to getting national distribution. “The ‘Kick Cancer – Buy Jam’ events will support Amy while also celebrating local food,” says Chad Gillard. “We want these four events to showcase Minnesota’s favorite local brands, the ones consumers find at farmers’ markets each year. Being able to make local food products readily available is why Amy got involved in food entrepreneurship in the first place. We think these events will be a great way to honor her dedication as our champion, while also providing support during her courageous battle.”
You can support Amy at these events:
- Sat., Sept. 24th @ Northeast Farmers Market: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 629 NE Second St., Minneapolis
- Sun., Sept. 25th @ Linden Hills Farmers Market: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 2813 43rd St. W., Minneapolis
- Sat., Oct. 22nd @ Mill City Farmers Market: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 704 Second St. S., Minneapolis
- Sat., Nov. 26th @ Shop Small Holiday Market: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 3301 Silver Lake Rd. NE #B, St. Anthony Village
