John and Lydija with The Food Group’s Volunteer Coordinator, Colette

“If you value your money, and worked hard your whole life toward financial security, then why let someone else decide what happens to it after you’re gone? Put your wishes in writing!” This is the wise advice of John Tschumperlin, Cargill retiree, long-time volunteer, and legacy donor to The Food Group.

“One of Cargill’s corporate pillars is ‘Feed the people,’ and the importance of giving back was ingrained in us,” says John. His heart goes out to people who for whatever reason experience hunger and food insecurity, especially noticeable over the past year.

Retired in 2007, John took the initiative to coordinate a team of Cargill retiree volunteers and matched them up with The Food Group. John describes himself as “a competitor” and likes his team to achieve as much as possible in each shift. “We’re driven to do the most we can and produce the best results each month.” John’s wife Lydija, also a Cargill retiree, is also on the team.

When we looked at our wills, we asked ourselves, who are we passing our estate along to?”

John and Lydija’s financial commitment through their estate flowed from their investment of “time and sweat” over the years. “When we looked at our wills, we asked ourselves, who are we passing our estate along to?” John researched charity ratings for how non-profits use their donations to invest directly in the mission. The Food Group was among the organizations that rose to the top.

“The Food Group is a good match with our values. Growing up on farms, we had just enough and no extras. We never went hungry, and we see how difficult it is today. We’re pleased to be able to leave something that will impact future needs.” John says. To other friends of The Food Group he says, “Don’t wait until you’re 80. Do it now!”


A planned gift can be a very meaningful way to provide long term support and make a lasting impact on alleviating hunger. Your legacy gift will provide nutritious food to families who would otherwise struggle to put meals on the table.

There are a number of ways you can leave your legacy with The Food Group:

  • As a friend of The Food Group, you have access to FreeWill, an online estate planning tool. It’s 100% free to you, and most people complete the process in 20 minutes or less. You can care for your loved ones and create a legacy for the causes you care about.
  • You can leave a bequest to The Food Group in your personal will or trust. Below is some sample legal language.

Follow this link to learn more about legacy giving.

We Value Nutritious Food
Working with our community partners, The Food Group buys, gleans, grows, and processes fresh produce.

Food Bank
or Food Shelf?
The Food Group is a food bank that supplies other hunger relief agencies with fresh produce, frozen meat, grocery staples, and other household necessities. Food shelves distribute free food to individuals and families in their local communities.

The Food Group believes in food equity. They believe in culturally specific foods. They believe in meeting people where they are at. And most of all, they believe in dignity.

The Food Group volunteer and donor

Did You Know?
Over 20% of Black households and 19% of Latinx households report food insecurity, compared to 10% of white households.

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The Food Group

We’re a nonprofit working at the intersection of equity and access to fresh, sustainable foods. From farming to distribution, we provide fresh food across MN and WI.

The Food Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN 41-1246504 Contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount provided by the law.

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