Local Food

Grow Your Own Food

Residents and communities that grow their own food enjoy the recreational, health, and social benefits while ensuring increased food security against disruptions to the global food supply chain.

• Community Crops and Nebraska Extension offer various resources for learning how to garden, including programs like Backyard Farmer and the Master Gardener Program.
• Visit the Plant, Grown, Share, Build Initiative for more resources for getting your garden started. Find suggested recipes for using your harvest or opportunities to share with organizations fighting hunger in our community.
• Don't forget to amend your soil with free EarthFuel Compost.
• If you don't have a convenient place to garden, there are community gardens spread throughout Lincoln. Visit the Community Crops website to view community garden locations in Lincoln. To join a garden, reach out to Community Crops for availability and more information. Gardener applications are open November-March annually.

Buy Local Foods

Fresh produce in the grocery store often travels a long way to arrive in Lincoln, so purchasing local foods that are in season (or growing your own) eliminates significant transportation emissions. Additionally, growing demand for local food helps create stable markets and entrepreneurial opportunities for local farmers which drives expanded economic development for the entire region.

• Local Grocery Stores - A variety of grocers and retail stores in Lincoln sell local foods. Since product availability can fluctuate with the seasons, make sure to check with your grocery store to see what products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats or artisanal goods are sourced from nearby farms or producers.
• Farmers Markets - There are multiple farmers markets spread across Lincoln that offer a diverse array of fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods. Visit the Haymarket Farmers' Market, Sunday Farmers' Market at College View, East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market, Thursday Farmers Market in Fallbrook, or the Hub Farmers Market on Wednesday. Search for other farmers markets using Buy Fresh Buy Local – Local Farmers Markets.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) - CSAs are a great way to directly support local farmers. Consumers purchase shares in the spring and receive a portion of the farm's produce throughout the growing season. Consider joining a CSA offered by Robinette Farms, or find other CSAs using Local Harvest.
• Local Restaurants - Support local food by dining at restaurants that prioritize sourcing from nearby farms.

Eat More Plants

Incorporating more plant-based meals prioritizes using ingredients that take fewer resources to grow — and they're often healthier and cheaper too.

• Need ideas for delicious and nutritious plant-based meals? Check out Nebraska Extension's Nutrition Education Program Recipes, and filter for specific vegetarian options.

Visit the Local Food System Plan website for additional resources and ways to get involved.