“Northwest Food Hub Network: Leveraging Technology to Build Resilient Local Food Systems” explores how the Northwest Food Hub Network (NWFHN) has rapidly become a model for regional collaboration, demonstrating what’s possible when independent food hubs coordinate to expand market access for local producers. Formed in 2021 by three established food hubs — Puget Sound Food Hub, LINC Foods, and Western Montana Growers Cooperative — the network was created to strengthen regional supply chains and open doors to larger institutional buyers that individual hubs often struggle to reach.
Our comprehensive case study highlights how the network leverages shared technology, dedicated sales support, and a coordinated operational structure to streamline ordering, inventory visibility, and communication across hundreds of producers. Local Food Marketplace serves as the network’s technology backbone, enabling real-time product data, consistent processes, inventory trading, and transparent buyer experiences — key components in scaling local food without sacrificing traceability or producer identity.
In its first years, the NWFHN generated millions in new revenue for regional farmers, secured major institutional contracts, and built the infrastructure needed to serve larger markets while preserving each hub’s autonomy. Milestones such as statewide K–12 initiatives and large public procurement wins demonstrate how collaboration can unlock opportunities that no single hub could capture alone.
Download the full case study for deeper examples, operational details, and lessons learned for organizations exploring regional food hub collaboration.
"*" indicates required fields