1. Why is Local Food Important?
Kelly Boeger, MS, RDN, LDN
Menu Management Dietitian
University of Illinois, Housing Dining Services

2. Why is Local Food Important?
Dining Trends
Consumer Demand
Sustainability
Health and Nutrition
Jobs and Economic Growth
The Student Perspective

4. Dining Trends
88% of grocery shoppers rated local food availability as important
70% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally produced items
Local food sales in the U.S totaled at least $12 billion in 2014 and estimate that the market value could hit $20 billion by 2019.
Number of farmers markets nationwide has increased by 93.3% between 2006 and 2014
Sources: National Grocery Association; National Restaurant Association; USDA

5. Dining Trends

7. Dining Trends Vegetable-Forward, Protein is an accent
Plant-based Proteins & Dairy Alternatives
Grain Bowls
Legumes
Breakfast All Day
Fermented Vegetables
Root-to-Stem
Source: Nation’s Restaurant News

8. Customer Demand
Millennials and Generation Z are health conscious “foodies” who want to know about their food.
Gen Z – born after 1996
76% concerned about humanity’s impact on the planet
58% are willing to pay more for food that’s sustainably grown/humanely raised
32% would be willing to pay more for locally sourced food
Never lived without computers or cell phones
Source: Technomic (2015). College and University Consumer Trend Report. Chicago: Technomic.

9. Customer Demand
Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association Study:
Transparency and clear labeling
Certification by trusted third parties
Thirst for knowledge
Distrust of larger food companies
“Health” means organic, natural, fewer artificial ingredients

10. Why is Local Food Important?
Dining Trends
Consumer Demand
Sustainability
Health and Nutrition
Jobs and Economic Growth
The Student Perspective
Why are consumers demanding local foods?

11. Sustainability
Local foods reduce fossil fuel consumption, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions d/t decreased processing and shipping distance.
Source: USDA.gov
“The average item of food in the U.S. has traveled 1,500 miles from the farm to the plate. Lettuce eaten in New York grown in California takes 56 calories of fossil fuel energy for 1 calorie of food energy.”
US is importing 90x more produce than in 1950.

12. Sustainability
Preservation of farmland, open space, clean water and healthy soil.
Encourages and preserves biodiversity of crops.
Growing food in multiple areas increases availability of food.
Source: USDA.gov
US is importing 90x more produce than in 1950.

13. Health & Nutrition Shorter time from farm to fork means:
Less risk of contamination
Increased food safety and security
Increased traceability of ingredients
Decreased nutrient degradation of fruits and vegetables
Fresher and tastier
Decreased need for added preservatives, sugar and salt
Source: USDA.gov

14. Health & Nutrition Limits consumption of processed foods.
Decreases incidence of diet- related disease.
Connects people with food, local farmers and producers.

15. Jobs & Economy
Helps local producers retain a greater portion of the money compared to buying from retail chains.
15% vs 45%
Source: USDA.gov
It is estimated that buying local keeps approximately 65% of your dollar within the community, whereas shopping at large chain stores keeps only 40%.
For every farm operator under the age of 35, the US has 6 farm operators over 65.
The number of midsized farms fell by over 100,000 (21%) from
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, produce and nut growers selling into local
and regional markets generate thirteen full time
operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, for a
total of 61,000 jobs in vs farms that do not sell
into these markets generate only three full time operator
jobs per $1 million in revenue.

16. Jobs & Economy
Spending money on local foods keeps jobs and money within the local area:
Farms selling into local and regional markets employ 13 full-time workers per $1 million in revenue earned vs 3 full-time workers in non- local sectors. (61,000 jobs in 2008)
Buying local keeps approximately 65% of your dollar within the community, whereas shopping at large chain stores keeps only 40%.
Source: USDA.gov
It is estimated that buying local keeps approximately 65% of your dollar within the community, whereas shopping at large chain stores keeps only 40%.
For every farm operator under the age of 35, the US has 6 farm operators over 65.
The number of midsized farms fell by over 100,000 (21%) from
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, produce and nut growers selling into local
and regional markets generate thirteen full time
operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, for a
total of 61,000 jobs in vs farms that do not sell
into these markets generate only three full time operator
jobs per $1 million in revenue.

17. Jobs & Economy
Local foods market attracts younger farmers, which will meet future agriculture demands.
Provides jobs on local farms, in processing and warehouse facilities, transportation networks and retail outlets.
Source: USDA.gov
For every farm operator under the age of 35, the US has 6 farm operators over 65.
The number of midsized farms fell by over 100,000 (21%) from
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, produce and nut growers selling into local
and regional markets generate thirteen full time
operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, for a
total of 61,000 jobs in vs farms that do not sell
into these markets generate only three full time operator
jobs per $1 million in revenue.

18. The Student Perspective:
Aaron Rodriguez
&
Fernanda Santos

19. Kelly Boeger kboeger@illinois.edu
Thank you!
Kelly Boeger