Nebraska Builds Local Food Markets

By Scout Nelson

Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska has opened enrollment for its annual membership program, marking twenty years of connecting local food producers with consumers across the state. The program welcomes farmers, ranchers, food producers, farmers, markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and other food businesses to join its growing network.

Since its introduction in Nebraska in 2006, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska has focused on strengthening local food systems, particularly in rural communities. The program works to increase awareness about locally produced foods and connect producers with a wider audience of Nebraskans who want to buy fresh, local products.

“At Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska, we work to cultivate a future for Nebraska’s family farms by expanding the market for locally produced foods,” said Michelle Garwood, BFBLN’s program coordinator. “If we’re going to keep farming, we have to be creative, and we have to diversify, and we have to find ways to tap into the local food market more.”

Membership offers several benefits designed to help food businesses grow. Members receive a listing in the annual published Local Food Guide, which is distributed throughout Nebraska. Each member also receives a profile on the BFBLN website, a listing on an interactive online map that helps consumers locate local producers, and official BFBLN signage. Members gain access to educational training that focuses on improving marketing, distribution, and business efficiency.

For individuals and organizations that do not directly sell food products, six different sponsorship levels are available. These sponsorship options allow supporters to contribute to the local food movement while gaining visibility within the BFBLN network.

BFBLN also provides tools and resources for consumers. These include local recipe boxes, gardening information, sustainable agriculture tips, and wellness of education materials. These tools help families make better use of regional foods and encourage healthy, seasonal eating habits.

“We’re educating on the social, environmental and economic benefits of eating locally, and improving wellness and quality of life by promoting healthy, in-season eating,” said Garwood. “Your food is better because the supply chain is much shorter. But then so much more money is also staying in our state, and it’s going to go back to those producers so they can keep doing what they’re doing.”

Annual membership costs between $25 and $150 depending on business type. Enrollment closes on Feb. 5. More information is available at buylocalnebraska.org. Additional questions can be directed to mgarwood3@unl.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov