Final Report for FNE04-508

Finding a year round market for small scale processed regional canned, dried, fresh or frozen and vacuum packaged foods was the purpose for exploring small feeding venues of families and community groups.

The method used was to step into the childcare world to see the problems with food providers through observations, interviewing and food sampling. We found that food providers wanted to buy our healthy convenience goods when the offerings included frozen and vacuum packaged meal kids, fruit snacks and high quality foods delivered nearby are pluses that add value and meet food providers’ needs.

Marketing with updated nutrition knowledge on a product website intellectually educates while membership in a Hometown Foods Club builds trust between participants in a regional food system. Here community nutrition educators facilitate club gatherings and activities connected to local farms, processors, neighbors and food. Club member pre-ordering balances production with demand so the system can grow carefully. Health conscience customers can access the same system in the future from work sites, schools, senior centers or directly though health professionals where prevention of future health problems is a priority. A business plan is being created to continue this project in the near future.

• Outreach Article
• FNE04-508 Final Report
• Newsletters and Questionnaries
• Ordering Website