Welcome to the SBN Local Food Committee!

Please visit our website at http://localfood.sbnboston.org for more information!

The SBN Local Food Committee Mission:

The Local Food Committee works to transform the local food system of Eastern MASS by organizing events and programs that bring together individuals and local food organizations that are committed to promoting the eating of local food.

We encourage Eastern MASS residents to take a first step by shifting 10% of the food we eat from non-local food to local food.

The SBN Local Food Committee consists of SBN members and friends who have a passion to grow and strengthen the local food system in the greater Boston area and expanding throughout MA and New England. Our committee is action-oriented and we identify gaps in the local food infra-structure and then work to fill those needs. SBN local food programs provide the Greater Boston area greater access to local, healthy, sustainably grown foods and locally produced specialty foods and they will encourage a 10% shift in the food eaten from nonlocal to local food.

People worldwide are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. It is fresher than most items in the supermarket and that means it is tastier and more nutritious. It is also good for our environment and our local economy. Buying directly from family farmers and purchasing from businesses that buy from local farmers helps promote local agriculture and keeps money in our community.

This collection of SBN business owners, entrepreneurs and individuals first convened in the spring of 2009 after Noah Fulmer of Farm Fresh gave an inspiring presentation about his success mobilizing the local food system in Rhode Island. Since that time, the volunteer committee has created its overall goal and guiding principles, identified specific opportunities and interests amongst the group and generated change making activities and plans.

The SBN Local Food Committee has developed a list of Seven Initiatives that are in various stages of development:

1.     Producing the first Boston Local Food Festival

2.     Encouraging local restaurants to include local food

3.     Mapping the local food system and growing the local food network

4.     Supporting the local food incubator kitchens

5.     Growing food production in urban areas

6.     Grow retail and distribution of local food

7.     Initiate the Eastern MASS Local Food Network

We hope to collaborate with other individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies in order to achieve our goals. Please contact Fan Watkinson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like notification of meeting times and activities. Please jump in and help us grow the local food system!