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The Center |
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Local Initiatives Projects...
Farm to SchoolA brief history of school lunch programs involving the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculturer.Food Manufacturers in Northwest OhioA list of companies in our own backyard that produce items you see on your grocer's shelf every week. Northwest Ohio Farmers MarketsThe advantages of buying produce and other goods at farmers markets, a list Northwest Ohio farmers markets, and links to other farmers market resources. AgritourismA discussion of agricultural tourism, its potential as another revenue stream for farmers, and guidance on starting an agritourism venture. Farm to ChefThe Northwest Ohio Fresh Network is a free direct-marketing program for buying and selling local fruits, vegetables, and other locally made products to chefs throughout the food service industry while building long-term business relationships.
Farm to Chef
The Northwest Ohio Fresh Network
Return to Local Initiatives Page
TIPS ABOUT BUYING FROM LOCAL FARMS
Do research. Use this directory, visit farmers' markets, call one of our listed distributors, join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and you'll find locally grown food and flowers. When on-line and looking for local food, please visit web pages such as www.ourohio.com, www.ifo.org, www.oeffa.org, www.foodroutes.org to name a few.
Cultivate relationships. The key to maintaining an account with a producer is a personal relationship based on trust.
Be clear about what you want. Remember that a "case" of product often means different things to different clients. Give specific information about the amount of product needed when placing an order.
Manage expectations. Be clear and up front about how you want to handle deliveries and process payments. Remember smaller producers don't have the complex infrastructures of national distributors.
Promote the products. Feature local produce names directly on your menus; on special boards; in menu inserts; or on table toppers. Display pictures and story boards about farmers you deal with and encourage customers to visit farms that are open to the public. This not only helps sell these items but also tells customers that by patronizing your business they are supporting the community.
Educate staff. Be an advocate for quality local foods. Talk to wait staff or store staff on a regular basis and tell customers about the origin and benefits of locally grown and produced food.
Involve your team. Send a staff person to pick up product at a farm or the farmers' market. Take kitchen/wait staff on a farm tour. Familiarity with farm and farmer markets makes it easier to talk in an informed way to customers about these products.
Throw a party. Consider staging an event (in your own venue or with others) to highlight one ingredient or a variety of local products in the peak of the season. Invite the producers and customers to enjoy the delicious celebration!
Plan ahead. Begin a discussion in the off-season with some farmers who might consider growing specific crops for individuals or groups of buyers.
Pool resources. Look into ways you to participate in smoother and more efficient distribution by participating in a central distribution route or site for small local producers.
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Shopping Local: The Dining Differentiator - by Francine Cohen
Sims Encourages Local Farmers, Chefs to Work Together for Better Health, Environment, Economy
What's Cooking? Ask Local Farmers - by Pat van den Beemt