Grants went to a range of organizations that combat hunger, promote food safety and foster renewable energy and sustainable communities. They include: the Emergency Foodshelf Network, Cornucopia Institute, Youth Farm & Market Project, Farmer's Action Legal Group, Universal Healthcare Action Network of Minnesota, Great Plains Windustry Project, Community Design Center of Minnesota, Southside Family Charter School, Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy, Local Fair Trade Network, Gardening Matters, Women's Environmental Institute at Amador Hill and Urban Arts Academy.
Since 1997, The Wedge's WedgeShare charitable giving program has awarded grants to community non-profits whose work aligns with the cooperative principle that co-ops "work for the sustainable development of their communities."
WedgeShare awards grants to organizations that work in one or more of the following areas: environmental quality, protection or beautification; natural health and wellness; natural food and sustainable agriculture; community involvement; and/or cooperative-related activities.
This year, 13 organizations that applied for WedgeShare grants made the final ballot. Wedge Co-op members voted to distribute the grants during the co-op's annual election in October 2008.
