With the growing societal interest in fresh, local, and organic food, New York State's Greenmarket Regional Food Hub is a way to make those foods more accessible to all people.
While local organic food has been popular in upscale grocery stores and farmers' markets for years, its high price and dispersed purchase locations meant that only moneyed and determined foodies could have access to farm-fresh food. The Greenmarket Regional Food Hub is a warehouse that will work with farmers to deliver food to community institutions and programs -- like retirement homes, community centers, and schools -- letting them serve food that previously would have been unattainable.
The Greenmarket Regional Food Hub, run by non-profit company GrowNYC, has received $20 million from the New York State government, which will go towards opening and operating its 75,000 square foot warehouse.
What's Driving This Trend
- Local Organic Food Delivery
- Creating a network of organic food delivery services to reach communities currently underserved by traditional retailers.
- Community Food Hubs
- Creating community food hubs that connect local farmers with community organizations and institutions.
- Non-profit Agriculture Cooperatives
- Creating non-profit agricultural cooperatives to support the distribution of local organic food and provide financial and practical support to small farmers.
Who This Affects Most
- Agriculture
- Exploring opportunities for small farmers to cooperatively distribute fresh, organic produce to community organizations and improve access to fresh food.
- Food Distribution
- Partnering with community organizations to create food distribution programs that deliver fresh, organic produce to underserved communities.
- Non-profit Organizations
- Developing non-profit organizations that connect small farmers with community organizations and provide financial and practical support to improve access and distribution of local, organic food.
