Governor Visits New Hope Food Bank, Talks Potential Bid for VP
Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he’s stepping away from the presidential race and supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential running mate.
During a visit to The Food Bank in New Hope to announce statewide climate initiatives, Walz addressed the VP speculation.
“To the vice president she made it clear that she was going to earn the support of folks, she was going to continue to run and continue an agenda that helps the middle class and I said ‘I’d be there to do whatever I can to help’ and that’s where we’re at, at this point,” said Walz.
If Walz were to become vice president, he would be the third from Minnesota. The others are Hubert Humphrey (1965-1969) and Walter Mondale (1977-1981).
Walz Announces $200 Million Grant for Minnesota Climate Solutions
The governor stopped by The Food Group, a nonprofit food bank in New Hope, to announce $200 million in new statewide funding that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production and distribution.
The money will come to Minnesota after the state’s so-called “Minnesota Climate-Smart Food Systems” project was selected through a highly competitive grant process involving more than 300 applicants.
Minnesota’s project was one of 25 selected to receive funding.
Governor Walz speaks at The Food Bank in New Hope.
Grant Includes Support for New Hope Food Bank
The grant will support places like The Food Group, which wants to create climate smart strategies within the food system.
“This isn’t just about how we grow food, it’s wide ranging to cover things like food insecurity, food waste prevention, innovative strategies on transportation and agriculture, and that really fits with what we do at The Food Group,” said Sophia Lenarz-Coy, executive director of The Food Group.
The Food Group invests in training emerging farmers in organic and sustainable practices, said Lenarz-Coy.
According to state officials, other ways the grant will support eco-friendly food strategies include:
- Protecting and restoring 10,000 acres of peatlands in Minnesota, which absorb and store climate pollution.
- Expanding support for farmers through the nationally recognized Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification and Soil Health Financial Assistance programs.
- Implementing innovative new technologies at food and organic waste processing sites.
- Helping small businesses, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, food banks and corner stores invest in new, climate-friendly refrigerators.
- Replacing gas-powered vehicles and equipment used in food systems like tractors and freight trucks with EVs and advanced clean fuel options.
- Scaling up successful programs to prevent food waste and keep organic matter out of landfills.
- Coordination with tribal governments and low-income and disadvantaged Communities to improve food security and strengthen food sovereignty.
The grant funds, which will be managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will come in October. The state will have five years to track the progress.
Ellie Tulkki reporting
Also See: Newsmakers: Robbinsdale Mayor Explains Why City Declared a Climate Emergency
