Local Food
Local food is the sustainable production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food within a specific region, often defined as 100 miles from farm to fork. A vibrant local food economy benefits the economic, environmental, social and personal health of that region.
Whereas organic food refers only to sustainable food production practices, local food addresses both the origin of food and the food system as a whole.
Each year Northeast Ohio businesses, organizations, institutions, and families spend over $14 billion dollars on food, yet less than 5% of this purchasing goes towards locally grown and produced products. The remaining 95% of this market, which is primarily non-discretionary spending that could benefit our local economy regardless of the next boom or bust, represents an emerging opportunity for entrepreneurship and regional economic development.
By radically growing the number of local food producers, shifting existing production into local markets, and directing more of our food dollars towards these markets we have the opportunity to create a thriving local food economy in and around Cleveland.
Key Questions:
- How will we train and mobilize 20 million new farmers?
- How can local food be accessable and affordable for all?
- What will it take to develop a year-round local food economy?
E4S Action Network: Local Food Cleveland
Local Food Cleveland is an action network for everyone who is passionate about growing a thriving local food economy and culture around Cleveland, OH.
Through the monthly Local Food Cleveland Network Events that draw over 200 participants and the LocalFoodCleveland.org online social network, Local Food Cleveland creates awareness of the business opportunities in local foods and encourages entrepreneurial leaders to find their place and take action.
