News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Monday February 2nd 2026
A New Economy is Emerging in East Phillips
by DANIEL COLTEN SCHMIDT
The East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) gives away locally-grown, organic vegetables and herbs to neighborhood residents for free. The Farm Team sets up a folding table in Cedar Field Park across from Little Earth and writes a list of produce on a whiteboard under the words, “Free Vegetables!” and “Vegetales Gratis!” The team lays colorful foods across the table and joyfully encourages passersbys to take home whatever they want in upcycled cloth bags.
The last time I attended a food giveaway, our team discussed increasing the amount of food we give away and the number of people we engage. Someone suggested setting up a table at the farmer’s market, to which Kieran Morris, EPNI’s Farm Team Coordinator responded, “I’ve talked to them, and they don’t want us there. Our free vegetables will reduce the sales for the farmers.” EPNI’s Farm Team agreed that attending the farmer’s market wouldn’t be appropriate; we don’t want to negatively impact small farmers, many of whom are BIPOC.
EPNI can give away food because of grant funding. But why should EPNI receive grants and subsidies if this undercuts the private market? On the other hand, how can it be wrong to give away organic, locally produced food in a neighborhood where over 30% of residents experience poverty? … Read the rest “A New Economy is Emerging in East Phillips”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
Reflections Flow From Our Mayoral Race
From the series Raise Your Voice…
By PETER MOLENAAR
To begin on a personal note: This writer, having recently suffered a debilitating stroke, is now recovering after a stint at the Hennepin County Medical Center. Goodness, the staff at HCMC is a harmonious integration of all races and countless nationalities. Hey, I have seen the future, and it works!
Meanwhile…
Readers know that a glitch or two temporarily deprived Omar Fateh of the DFL’s endorsement. Yes, Omar is a member of the Democratic-Socialists of America (the DSA). Certainly, the DSA is recognized in the Phillips neighborhood and surrounding communities as exemplary in its expression of diversity, equity and inclusion. It is then suggested that we cast our votes with our nation’s future in mind!
However, a cautionary note:
An “authoritarian” vibe continues to emanate from our nation’s capital. (Actually, thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators have fashioned signs which reference the other F-word!) Indeed then, a broad front of resistance is necessary in this historical period, a period characterized by supply-chain issues and a declining rate of profit (hence, the ratcheting of national-chauvinism, militarism and imperialistic visions).
Last word:
Seemingly, our Democratic-socialists don’t dwell in the camp of ‘ultra-leftists’ who finger our typical ‘centrist-democrats’ as a source of our predicament.… Read the rest “Reflections Flow From Our Mayoral Race”