A space to grow: Co-op kitchens give local producers more options

A space to grow: Co-op kitchens give local producers more options

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — From potatoes to peppers to tomatoes, the food grown by farmers near this western Minnesota town will soon be put to more and better use. Potatoes grown in the Red River Valley could be mashed and diced for school lunches. Peppers could become salsa and hot sauce. Tomato seeds could be harvested for the future. Such are the possibilities are envisioned by members of Manna Food Co-op — which like other cooperative grocery s…