Now, more than ever, consumers are primarily motivated to buy local foods for a variety of reasons including freshness, flavor, nutrition and a sense of social justice. Many consumers view Local Food as being:
(1) Safer because they are more likely to be produced without pesticides or GMOs.
(2) In support of local farmers economically, while building stronger local economies and communities.
(3) A trusted source that “their local farmers” not only produce “good food” but also to be good neighbors, good community members and good stewards of the land.
(4) In support of the emerging vision of a fundamentally better food system of the future.
But how can large food service companies, distributors, restaurant groups and chefs participate in this model without breaking the bank? Why is this important and how can they support the Local Food System that can in turn support them? How does this affect sales, reduction of food waste, sustainability initiatives, etc.? This session will walk you through the latest Local Food Models of which large Food Service companies are transitioning into.