Local Foods
The subject of local foods is a broad, critical issue that affects every Ohioan and is of great public interest and need. Ohio State University Extension's local foods programs are conducted throughout the state to advance the well-being of individuals, families, organizations and communities by holistically addressing multiple issues related to a local food system, from production through consumption.
Ohio is an ideal place for local foods for a number of reasons:
- Ohio has a unique proximity of metropolitan and micropolitan areas, linking rural and urban consumers, growers and communities.
- Ohio ranks in the Top 10 states for direct-to-consumer marketing.
- Ohio food producers offer a wide variety of local food products for Ohioans, who spend about $43 billion every year on food purchases.
- Ohio has a tremendous support system to advance food research, food production, food safety, food security, food distribution, food innovation and food consumption.
- Diverse perspectives from small-, medium- and large-scale agriculture in rural and urban areas offer plenty of opportunity for anyone interested in making connections with others who share their local food interests.
Visit the website at localfoods.osu.edu