The Local Exchange

Police, firefighters, and Park High students teamed up in Cottage Grove’s first “Battle of the Badges” basketball game, raising thousands for Basic Needs Inc. and SoWashCo CARES—and proving that Hastings-area volunteers can slam-dunk hunger together.

A Hastings-area nonprofit has reinvented the food shelf as a free grocery store where families in need can shop with dignity. Basic Needs Food Market in Cottage Grove provides fresh, healthy food at no cost – no questions asked – to anyone facing hardship. Learn how this volunteer-run market is rescuing tons of surplus food from local grocers, feeding hundreds of local families (especially kids who rely on free school lunches), and inspiring a community-driven fight against hunger.

Discover the vibrant spirit of our local community in this engaging feature on Cottage Grove's most unique venues! From cowboy disco nights at The Madison and vintage treasures at Boondocks Vintage Boutique to grilled delights at Junction 70 Grill, explore how the Local Exchange program is uniting Hastings and Cottage Grove through creativity, unforgettable events, and authentic connections.