Our BIG FOOD Stars series continues in conversation with Daniel Abelson, Purchasing and Logistics Manager for Honeygrow, about how his BIG fast casual chain is scaling nationally, responsibly. Maddie Morales, Outreach Coordinator for The Common Market, chimes in about the impact restaurant chains that prioritize local sourcing can have on farmers and foodmakers.
Rolader says The Common Market is trying to build a regional food system that develops more personal connections between producers and consumers by 'giving farmers a chance to tell their story.'
Preventable chronic diseases are linked to poor diet and lack of access to healthy foods. Healthy foods not only provide adequate nutrition but also promote public health while improving environmental and economic sustainability.
Rob Raichle, a Sodexo General Manager, is excited to buy local knowing that it’s a priority for the client and that as a hospital, their purchasing power makes a difference to smaller, nearby growers. “The Common Market provides that connection to make it all possible.”
"North Wales Borough is taking part in a new program that could bring fresh food to the area in a new way."
Lauren Sleeger, director of Rathbone, said Lehigh’s affiliation with The Common Market, a nonprofit regional food distributor in Philadelphia that connects institutions like Lehigh with local, sustainable family farms and producers, has been a “game-changer."
Wellness programs at companies are still figuring out what works best for employees. Whether it’s a gym membership, fresh fruit days or healthier options in cafeterias, every company approaches the movement differently. To help out, one Pennsylvania nonprofit has been selling farm fresh products directly to workplaces.
"The SQF certification includes a validation process that makes sure food safety control systems have been implemented effectively."
Community supported agriculture, or CSA, was created to connect food producers and consumers by allowing consumers to purchase “shares” of a farm’s seasonal harvest. The consumer then gets a weekly or bi-weekly delivery of fresh local produce, dairy products, meats, and more! This system is highly beneficial to both the consumer and the producer.
"Today’s consumers are expecting more from their food, and that means expecting more from the entire food chain. While the majority of food service providers in the institutional marketplace would prefer to offer their patrons fresh, local food, the issue of getting certifiably safe products from independent producers is a major hurdle. For The Common Market Georgia, that’s no longer a problem."
"The Common Market is that bridge between our institutions and the farmers... We love their products!"
— Patterson Watkins, Chef/Manager, Cafe Bon Appetit, University of Pennsylvania