For Bjorn, growing up on a farm meant learning the value of hard work and the joy of harvesting fresh food straight from the garden. Surrounded by fields and produce, it might have seemed like food would always be plentiful, but Bjorn knows firsthand that life doesn’t always go as planned.
“There have been times where I didn’t have access to healthy foods and had to utilize food pantry services,” he shared. “I have also witnessed what it looks like when a whole community goes without access to food and other resources during a mission trip after high school.” Experiencing both ends of the spectrum firsthand and witnessing the challenges communities face on a larger scale, inspired his passion to help grow a stronger local and regional food system.
Today, Bjorn channels that understanding and compassion through his work with his own business, Hugh’s Gardens LLC, a certified organic storage and packing facility that works with small potato farmers from the Red River Valley region to store, wash, pack, and market their potatoes. Through partnerships with the Great Plains Food Bank, schools, and other community organizations, Bjorn helps ensure that nourishing food reaches neighbors and students who need it most.
“I’m proud to work with Great Plains Food Bank and other partners in our area to get that healthy food to people who need that extra assistance and to help maintain food security,” Bjorn added.
Bjorn’s story is a powerful example of what it means to end hunger, together. When we turn compassion into action, neighbors become nourished, communities grow stronger, and together we move closer to a future where everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.