Mayor's Local Food Challenge
The Annual Mayor's Local Food Challenge invites Lincoln's businesses, schools, institutions, restaurants, and other organizations to take an active role in strengthening our local food system. By sourcing locally, participants help reduce food insecurity, boost the local economy, and protect the environment - all while enjoying fresh, high-quality food.
The challenge supports the goals outlined in the Local Food System Plan, which is designed to build a thriving, resilient food network for our community. The challenge runs from July 1 to October 31. Organizations can choose a program option that best suits their needs, such as wholesale orders for their cafeterias or employee subscription boxes. Participation is based on the number of local food orders placed over the 18 weeks, with recognition at four commitment levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. At the end of the challenge, participants will be recognized and celebrated for their commitment to strengthening our local food system.
Sourcing Local: Meet Our Food Partners
The Mayor's Local Food Challenge makes it easy for organizations to source fresh, local food by partnering with trusted food aggregators—organizations that work directly with small farms to combine products and distribute them efficiently.
For this challenge, we're working with Lone Tree Foods and Robinette Farms, two local food hubs that connect businesses, schools, and institutions with high-quality food grown within a 250-mile radius of Lincoln. By purchasing from these aggregators, you're strengthening an entire network of local producers.
Why Choose Local?
Supporting local food strengthens our community, economy, and environment. Local food is fresher, tastier, and helps businesses and institutions connect with regional farmers. Buying local keeps money in our community, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. It also reduces transportation emissions while promoting sustainable agriculture. Access to fresh, nutritious food improves public health, leading to healthier communities. By choosing local, your organization plays a vital role in building a stronger, more resilient food system for Lincoln.
Chef Spotlights
Chef Rachel McGill, Executive chef and Owner of DISH Restaurant
"DISH is committed to using locally-sourced ingredients that allow us to offer an ever-changing hyper seasonal menu, every day. I take a lot of pride in the food that I cook, and using the best ingredients is a huge part of that. Sourcing locally allows me to be hands on with farmers to ensure the highest quality hits the plate. Locally sourced food just tastes better, period."
Chef Nazim Khan, Executive Chef at Bryan Health
"We choose to utilize locally sourced food whenever possible. We do this because we want to support our local business community, utilize the freshest ingredients for our patients and customers, and potentially lower our carbon footprint by reducing transport distances."