Coastal Foodshed was created in 2017 and officially became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the following year. It is our goal to strengthen the local food economy by creating the supply chain infrastructure that supports small farm operations and growth and makes it easier for customers to purchase local food.
We also focus on creating equitable access to local food among those households living in communities without enough places to buy fresh, healthy food, (food deserts) or relying on SNAP benefits to purchase the majority of their groceries. This work is made possible thanks to donations from community members, our state and local governments, private foundations, and sponsors.
Coastal Foodshed in 2020–2021 (in the midst of a global pandemic)
- $290,000: value of local produce and foods sold through our three main programs
- 37: number of local farmers & food makers who sell through our programs
- 19: number of towns, from Little Compton, Rhode Island, to Taunton, to Wareham, that we are able to reach through our Virtual Market.
Creating a stronger and more equitable local food system by
Supporting local farmers’ and food makers’ business development.
Coastal Foodshed takes care of the marketing, distribution, and sale of local food so farmers can focus on growing their businesses and growing more food. While large, industrial food producers have access to a full supply chain of marketing professionals, distributors, and grocery retailers, small farms do all of this work themselves, taking up their limited time and resources.
Providing fresh-food access for local communities.
We bring local food directly into neighborhoods where residents have little to no access to local food, and can use their SNAP benefits to purchase fresh, locally grown produce and other products.
Added bonus for the planet
Supporting locally sourced food from smaller farms and producers also helps the environment, by increasing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
- Reducing the carbon emissions due to transport
- Supporting sustainable farming methods and biodiversity
- Providing consumers an alternative to industrial farms
Ready to help strengthen the local food economy and support food equity in Greater New Bedford and Southcoast MA?
Programs that grow with our mission
Our long-term vision includes plans to build the infrastructure needed to get more local food into grocery stores and restaurants, as well as through direct-to-customer channels that will ultimately increase consumer access to healthy, local foods and produce. Our four current programs help promote, market and distribute local products from the farms of Southcoast MA.
