The Heartland Food Network Wishes to Thank:

Transcription

1 The Heartland Food Network Wishes to Thank: All of Our Dedicated Members, Partners and Funders for helping us get this far You- for learning about the ways that you can participate in creating a stronger and more equitable local food system in Minnesota

2 Clarification of terminology Organic farmingis a form of agriculture that excludes the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms. Sustainable farming- Sustainable farming integrates three main goals: environmental stewardship, farm profitability and prosperous farming communities. Sustainable agriculture refers to the ability of a farm to produce food indefinitely, without causing irreversible damage to ecosystem health. Local Food/Regional Food- Ingredients that were grown and produced nearby. Parameters differ depending upon where one is located and per individuals definition of nearby. This system is based strongly on quality of product & quality of relationships. Locavoreis someone who eats food grown or produced locally or within a certain radius such as 50, 100, or 150 miles. The locavore movement encourages consumers to buy from farmers markets, support restaurants that source locally or even to produce their own food, with the argument that fresh, local products are more nutritious and taste better. Food Milesis a term which refers to the distance food travels from the time of its production until it reaches the consumer. Carbon Footprintis a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. It is meant to be useful for individuals and organizations to conceptualize their personal (or organizational) impact in contributing to global warming.

3 The Heartland Food Network is a group of Minnesota Chefs and regional farmers and food distributors who are committed to increasing the amount of local ingredients served across the state in dining establishments.

4 Heartland Food Network The mission of the Heartland Food Network is to encourage and facilitate the increased consumption of local and seasonal foods as a way to build stronger communities, healthier lives and a cleaner environment

5 Local chefs, local farmers, local distributors- local good

6 Family farmers are being forced out of business at an alarming rate. According to Farm Aid, every week 330 farmers leave their land. As a result, there are now nearly five million fewer farms in the U.S. than there were in the 1930's.

7 All Heartland Food Network Members, both dining establishments and food distributors commit to purchasing local ingredients and to increasing the amount of local purchases each year.

8 So many local ingredients available

9 How does the Heartland Food Network define LOCAL ingredients? Minnesota Grown as defined by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Products Certified by Food Alliance Midwest from MN or its immediate bordering states Certified Organic Products from MN or its immediate bordering states Socially Verified Products produced by self-regulating farmer networks, or through farmer/chef relationships, who share a commitment to an agreed-upon range of practices Minnesota Native Freshwater Species Products Processed in Minnesota with no less than 80% of the ingredients from Minnesota Processed Products with the primary distinguishing ingredient grown, wild-caught or originates in Minnesota or immediately surrounding states Wild Rice identified as 100% Minnesota harvested.

10 What does Heartland Food Network do? Helps new comers source local ingredients through networking and relationship building. Hosts quarterly Roundtables to learn, discuss and identify local food issues. Operates the Heartland Food Network Online Marketplace. Participates in statewide public events. Reaches the public via press, Minnesota Project website, eblasts and listervs.

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12 Meet the 2008 Heartland Food Network Restaurant and Dining Establishments Members Arboretum Restaurant, Chanhassen At Sara s Table Chester Creek Café, Duluth The Bayport Cookery, Bayport Common Roots Café, Minneapolis Cosmos Restaurant, Minneapolis FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, Minneapolis

13 The Marsh, Minnetonka Muffuletta, St. Paul The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Minneapolis Tejas Restaurant, Edina The University of Minnesota, Bistro West, Minneapolis Vinifera, Wabasha Wendigo Lodge, Grand Rapids

14 Meet the 2008 Heartland Food Network Catering Companies and Private Chef Members Annie s Cooking Tonight, Minneapolis Cooking for Fun Seriously! LLC, Eden Prairie Good Life Catering, Minneapolis Exclusive Catering, Minneapolis

15 Meet the 2008 Heartland Food Network Distributor Members Big River Foods, Marine on St. Croix Bix Produce Company, St. Paul Southeast Minnesota Food Network, Elgin Sysco MN, St. Paul Whole Farm Coop, Long Prairie

16 The Heartland Food Network Marketplace is a website created to connect local chefs, dining establishments, distributors and farmers to one another so they may directly and easily find and market local products. Think of it as a one stop shop for your local food sourcing!

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18 Heartland Food Network Marketplace Helps Producers Marketplace Helps Producers connect directly to chefs and distributors that are looking for local ingredients

19 Heartland Food Network Marketplace Helps Producers Promote your business or farm through profiles, stories, images and more

20 Heartland Food Network Marketplace Helps Producers Promote their business or farm through profiles, stories, images and more

21 Heartland Food Network Marketplace Connect buyers to you and your products with detailed contact information and mapped locations

22 Heartland Food Network Marketplace Shows buyers at a glance your products, certifications and distribution information Buyers can contact you directly through the site with easy tracking

23 Homegrown Heartland Marketplace Helps Producers Showcase your products through product descriptions and details, images, and per product distribution and certification Information.

24 Heartland Food Network Marketplace Allows buyers to search for your products by type, seasonable availability, certifications and distribution and more

25 Events that Heartland Food Network participates in: Twin Cities Food and Wine Experience Living Green Expo - Homegrown Heartland 2-Day Cooking Stage Mill City Farmers Market Saturday Mornings Outdoor Cooking Series Minnesota State Fair s EcoExperience Heartland Food Network Day Minnesota Grown Marketing Conference Sustainable Farming Association Conference Minnesota Sustainable Tourism Conference

26 Where Does our Food Usually come from? The average meal travels over 1,500 miles from farm to plate Most imported fruit and vegetables spend 7 to 14 days on a truck

27 Local Energy Conservation Energy use in the food system represents 16% of total US energy use

28 Why Support Local Foods When Dining Out? Strengthens Our Local Economies and Communities Fresh and Flavorful Food and Products

29 Local Food Supports Local Communities Local food supports local families who are committed to a great product. It provides a safer way to eat while cutting down on fuels and reducing global warming. Kristin Holt- General Manager FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

30 Local Food Matters Using fresh, locally grown products that have been grown or raised in a sustainable way allows us to take care of and return to a closer connection with our food and with nature Executive Chef Ray Thering University of Minnesota- Aramark

31 Local Food & Local Communities Local food allows me to be a part of my community Executive Chef Rick Kimmes- The Oceanaire Seafood Room

32 Environmental Impact We would reduce our country s consumption of oil by 1.1 million barrels per week if every US citizen ate just one meal a week composed of locally and organically raised produce and meats

33 Fresh Local Flavors Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested

34 Community Collaboration "The greater culinary community can be a catalyst for positive change by creating a market for good food and helping to preserve local farming and fishing communities." Chefs Collaborative, Principle # 6

35 Thank you. We invite you to start using local ingredients on your menus. Join the Heartland Food Network today.