Running a Food Hub: Volume Two, a Business Operations Guide
Running a Food Hub: Volume Two, a Business Operations Guide

Author: James Matson

Publisher: Government Printing Office

Published: 2015-09-17

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 9780160929847

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This report is part of a multi-volume technical report series entitled, Running a Food Hub, with this guide serving as a companion piece to other United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports by providing in-depth guidance on starting and running a food hub enterprise. In order to compile the most current information on best management and operations practices, the authors used published information on food hubs, surveyed numerous operating food hubs, and pulled from their existing experience and knowledge of working directly with food hubs across the country as an agricultural business consulting firm. The report’s main focus is on the operational issues faced by food hubs, including choosing an organizational structure, choosing a location, deciding on infrastructure and equipment, logistics and transportation, human resources, and risks. As such, the guide explores the different decision points associated with the organizational steps for starting and implementing a food hub. For some sections, sidebars provide “decision points,” which food hub managers will need to address to make key operational decisions. This illustrated guide may assist the operational staff at small businesses or third-party organizations that may provide aggregation, marketing, and distribution services from local and regional producers to assist with wholesale, retail, and institution demand at government institutions, colleges/universities, restaurants, grocery store chains, etc. Undergraduate students pursuing coursework for a bachelor of science degree in food science, or agricultural economics may be interested in this guide. Additionally, this reference work will be helpful to small businesses within the food trade discipline.

Building Community Food Webs
Building Community Food Webs

Author: Ken Meter

Publisher: Island Press

Published: 2021-04-29

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 1642831476

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Our current food system has decimated rural communities and confined the choices of urban consumers. Even while America continues to ramp up farm production to astounding levels, net farm income is now lower than at the onset of the Great Depression, and one out of every eight Americans faces hunger. But a healthier and more equitable food system is possible. In Building Community Food Webs, Ken Meter shows how grassroots food and farming leaders across the U.S. are tackling these challenges by constructing civic networks. Overturning extractive economic structures, these inspired leaders are engaging low-income residents, farmers, and local organizations in their quest to build stronger communities. Community food webs strive to build health, wealth, capacity, and connection. Their essential element is building greater respect and mutual trust, so community members can more effectively empower themselves and address local challenges. Farmers and researchers may convene to improve farming practices collaboratively. Health clinics help clients grow food for themselves and attain better health. Food banks engage their customers to challenge the root causes of poverty. Municipalities invest large sums to protect farmland from development. Developers forge links among local businesses to strengthen economic trade. Leaders in communities marginalized by our current food system are charting a new path forward. Building Community Food Webs captures the essence of these efforts, underway in diverse places including Montana, Hawai‘i, Vermont, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, and Minnesota. Addressing challenges as well as opportunities, Meter offers pragmatic insights for community food leaders and other grassroots activists alike.

Local Food Systems; Concepts, Impacts, and Issues
Local Food Systems; Concepts, Impacts, and Issues

Author: Steve Martinez

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2010-11

Total Pages: 87

ISBN-13: 1437933629

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. Defining ¿local¿ based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers¿ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Charts and tables.

Soup Night
Soup Night

Author: Maggie Stuckey

Publisher: Storey Publishing

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1612120997

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Soup nights are a stress-free way to bring friends together. The host provides two or three pots of soup, while the guests bring their own dishes and silverware, and perhaps a salad or some bread. Neighbors get to know each other by name and people of all ages can connect and socialize. This practical guide encourages you to start your own soup group, with scores of recipes for soups and sides that your friends will be lining up to taste.

A Cook's Tour of Minnesota
A Cook's Tour of Minnesota

Author: Ann Burckhardt

Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780873514682

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

From the land where the hot dish began comes a delicious array of kitchen-tested recipes featuring traditional favorites and modern meals for today's casserole cook.

Hydroponic Gardening the Very Easy Way
Hydroponic Gardening the Very Easy Way

Author: Larry Cipolla

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2018-01-26

Total Pages: 280

ISBN-13: 9781975919375

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This comprehensive guide is the only book that focuses on the Deep-Water-Culture (DWC) hydroponic system. You will quickly learn how to use the DWC system, which is the lowest cost, easiest to set up, easiest to maintain, and easiest to expand hydroponic system. This definitive how-to-resource will guide you through each step of the way. Year-round gardening, indoors and outdoors, pesticide- and herbicide-free. Take control of what you eat. Grow what you like in a very small space. Grow vertically to increase your yield. No gardening experience is necessary. Who would benefit from this book? The ideas in this book will work for you, whether you live in a mansion, a single room, a condo, a senior center, an assisted living facility, whether you live in the city or the country, or whether you have ever wondered how you can possibly grow vegetables and herbs in just water and air. It is a sustainable process and great for the environment and, especially healthy for you and your family. What will you learn? Through 280 pages in 15 modules, 120 photographs, 23 DIY projects, 26 tables and charts, 9 case studies you will learn ... - How to build your own DWC system with food safe buckets, totes and PVC tubes. - What off-the-shelf fertilizers to buy and how to create your own. - How to use Integrated Pest Management and non-chemical solutions for disease and insect control. - What lighting units to buy, how to build portable light frames and elevated tables. - How to select the right growing medium. - What, when and how to plant seeds and seedlings and when and how to harvest everything your taste buds crave-from sweet basil to salad greens to luscious, tasty tomatoes. Very easy. Very rewarding. Hydroponic Gardening The Very Easy Way has everything you need to know about DWC hydroponic gardening and more. Take control of what you eat-and have fun doing it! Larry Cipolla is a master gardener, international speaker, and hydroponics expert. He lives and gardens in Minnesota.