For the third consecutive year, we recently participated in the Northwest Food Hub Network’s (NWFHN) Annual Summit, engaging with local food organizations from across the country for a few days of dialogue, learning, and relationship-building.
This year’s Summit underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation propelling the local food movement, attracting over 150 attendees from various food hub networks, public agencies, market partners, and local food organizations. The presence of 7 food hub network managers from across the country highlights the significant demand for scalable local ownership within our regional food systems, and we are honored to support the NWFHN as it paves the way for future initiatives in food hub development.
Prior to the Summit, Network Manager, Charlie Michel of Mission West Community Development Partners led the entire project team including the 3 food hubs, Puget Sound Food Hub, LINC Foods, and Western Montana Growers Co-op, and project partners, Mission West, LFM, and Kitchen Sync Strategies in mapping out the coming year and beyond for the NWFHN.
Interested in learning more about the Northwest Food Hub Network?
Read our Year 1 Case Study
Interested in learning more about the Northwest Food Hub Network?
Read our Year 1 Case StudyKey Takeaways
💡 Fostering collaboration to scale food hubs in a new way
The success of the NWFHN demonstrates that creating a strong and collaborative network presents significant growth opportunities for local food. We left the Summit with even greater motivation to develop closer relationships both within our own organizations and with others, to work together in creating a vibrant local food ecosystem.
Effective cooperation involves mutual benefit. Throughout the lifecycle of individual cooperatives there are times when they will need support and others when they will be capable of giving it. Reciprocation is the bedrock of trust and mutual trust is the foundation of cooperation.”
– Charlie Michel, NWFHN Program Manager
💡Embracing innovation
The Network is pioneering a new business model that inspires and lays the groundwork for future networks. Since its inception in 2021, institutional sales across three hubs grew 10X to just over $2M in 2023 — and the momentum continues to grow!
Additionally, the network has:
🌟 Completed nearly 100 hub-to-hub inventory trading transactions to extend seasonality and expand our sustainably sourced offerings.
🌟 Maintained 600+ jobs for local farms, food hubs, and food system non-profits.
🌟 Created market access for more than 300 local farmers, ranchers, and value-added food processors across Washington and Montana.
LFM is proud to support the Northwest Food Hub Network
Our technology powers the design and coordination behind the Network, enabling them to continue innovating and growing their business model.
LFM provides the Network with:
✔️ Source-transparent online storefronts
✔️ Curated product lists for institutional customers
✔️ Self-service reporting for purchasing managers
✔️ Seamless hub-to-hub invoicing
✔️ Enhanced route value visibility and monitoring
✔️ Integrated producer communication and documentation
As the Northwest Food Hub Network continues to innovate and grow, LFM stands ready to evolve alongside them, supporting their mission to create a vibrant and sustainable local food ecosystem.
