What is Local Food Network?
Local Food Network is technology that integrates the local food ecosystem. It links suppliers (farmers & ranchers) to food hubs and buyers.
Why Did We Build Local Food Network?
Local Food Network is the next phase of our mission to empower local food ecosystems. Since 2009, we have provided technology to help farmers, food hubs, and markets sell food online. Now, we’ve created Local Food Network to help hubs and producers work collaboratively. Our software helps local food scale by enabling larger buyers (such as institutions and retailers) to have digital access to supply of local food.
What is a Food Hub Network?
How can we create a more vibrant and resilient food system? One emerging idea is the formation of food hub networks. In this model, a group of food hubs partner together to expand
opportunities for local food. It’s about collaborating to meet shared goals and expand opportunities for their producers.
There are many different approaches to food hub networks. But each member of the network shares a common goal of growing opportunities for local producers, and bringing local food to the community. Forming a food hub network has been about leaning into this shared mission, without erasing what makes each hub unique.
A network is not consolidation. The hubs and producers in a network retain their own identity and independence, rather than absorbing one another or taking over each other’s business.
Our Approach
Where does Local Food Marketplace come in?
Local Food Marketplace (LFM), provides software solutions to farmers, food hubs, and markets. Since our inception in 2009, our goal has been to support strong, sustainable local food systems.
We are excited to work closely with emerging food hub networks to understand their needs. Our technology successfully supports the Northwest Food Hub Network in managing sales, inventory, and distribution through a single streamlined online platform. We are excited to work with even more emerging food hub networks to level up skills and technology for food hub workers, producers, sales representatives, and all players in a successful food hub network.
Learn More:
[pictures and links to download]- Northwest Food Hub Network Guide
- Food Hub Network Webinar
- Farm Fare Guide
Building a Network?
More questions about food hub networks? Let’s chat! Click here to schedule a time to chat about food hub networks, or reach out to info@localfoodmarketplace.com !