Local Foods Week was developed to increase awareness and investment in local foods in South Central Minnesota. The event creates meaningful connections between farmers and restaurants and educates consumers on how to access all the amazing food that is grown in our region.
Each year, RNDC’s team begins by reaching out to members of the South Central Minnesota Growers’ Network and other local growers to find farms that are interested in selling to restaurants. Once we have compiled a list of interested farms and what they have to offer, we reach out to restaurants across the region and have them choose who they want to partner with.
This week-long event provides farmers with a chance to diversify their sales channels and bolster consumer awareness. Through marketing collateral, consumers learn where local products come from and where to find them, such as at farmer’s markets, co-ops, grocery stores, and farm stores in South Central Minnesota. For participating restaurants, this event provides them with high-quality local products, exciting new menu items, and a meaningful relationship with other local businesses.