Agricultural Forum: local purchases strengthen access to food | Business

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When you think of the food distributed in the pantry, what images come to mind?

In 2018, the Northwest Food Coalition, in partnership with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, set out to increase the amount of fresh, healthy, locally grown produce available to neighbors who access food in pantries and places to eat. restoration of limbs.

The Coalition, with funding from local Rotary clubs and private community donors, logistical support from Food Rescue, and program support from the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, developed the Farm 2 Neighbor program, which established the process for the Coalition collectively buy bulk produce from local farmers, which was then distributed to members to stock their pantry shelves and meal site menus, along with items like carrots, asparagus, greens , tomatoes, squash and more throughout the growing season.

When Groundwork launched the Local Food Relief Fund last spring in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our region, the idea was simple: send community-raised funds to our partner organizations that provide relief. emergency food and put them in contact with farmers and food producers. in the region who could then sell their products to these partners.

This win-win solution provided fresh, healthy and local food to our partners in the Northwest Food Coalition, Manna Food Project and Food Rescue, and was meant to be a pandemic response to support both pantries and local farmers during a time of great uncertainty. .

Almost a year later, as vaccines become accessible and life returns to its normal course, the demand for fresh food in pantries and eating places remains strong. Why?

In short, because our regional farmers produce the highest quality and nutritious food available. The need for healthy food in pantries transcends pandemics – vulnerable neighbors are at high risk of having diets lacking a full complement of healthy nutrients.

When systems are in place for emergency meal providers to purchase food at a fair price from our local producers, it strengthens the resilience of our regional food system and increases the amount of healthy food in custody. -eat.

The economic investment in the farmers of our region is something to celebrate.

This spring, the Northwest Food Coalition buying committee has already reached bargaining deals of nearly $ 118,000 for future purchases with local farmers. This means that farmers have a guaranteed market for their crops and can plan for large investments that support their ability to pay for seeds, labor and logistics during the growing season.

For the Coalition, knowing what products are available and when they can expect to receive them from Food Rescue makes it easier for pantries to make healthy food a key part of their offerings to the community.

Much remains to be done on the systemic factors that contribute to food insecurity in our region, but this buy local model is an example of how collaborative efforts and strategic economic progress contribute to a system where a healthy food is available to everyone.

Christina Barkel is a Food Equity Specialist at the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities.

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