Alachua County recently announced it will partner with food system consultants New Venture Advisors to assemble a feasibility study for creating a food hub that would support farmers, strengthen the local food economy and connect institutions and residents with locally-produced fresh food.

Part of the study will include the county gathering feedback from growers, residents, food buyers and community organizations to assist in identifying priorities, services and infrastructure needed across the food system.

A food hub is a centralized resource that can connect consumers and producers while expanding access to healthy, local food. Depending on community needs, it could include:

• An aggregation site for storing, distributing and delivering locally grown and made foods
• A commercial kitchen to support small food businesses
• A training space for agricultural and food entrepreneurship programs
• A community venue for food- and agriculture-related events
• A retail space for purchasing local groceries and other foods

Residents are encouraged to share their ideas by completing a brief 10-minute online survey​.

Input will help shape the future of Alachua County’s food system and support a stronger, more resilient local food economy.

For more information, contact Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator Bailey McClellan at 352-374-5260 or bmcclellan@alachuacounty.us.