The Miami County Local Food Council is dedicated to supporting and promoting our local farmers and producers. We strive to improve public health and contribute to the local economy by making healthy, local food accessible to everyone. Join us in this exciting initiative to nourish both yourself and your community. Buy local! Eat fresh!
A diverse group representing Miami County farmers, growers, businesses, farm-related organizations, public health, government and citizens began meeting in 2013 to discuss how we might place local food and agricultural economic development on the agendas of public policymakers, private business leaders, not-for-profit institutions and citizens.
The targeted outcome was to create greater possibilities for working together, creating jobs, doing business and expanding the economy right here in Miami County. The ultimate goal became expanding the “agricultural and local foods economy” in our area. One of the main points of action was to develop a local food council that would be the entity to move the ideas forward. The Miami County Local Food Council was incorporated as a non-profit in 2016 and obtained 501c3 status in 2018.
Since its incorporation, the Miami County Local Food Council has developed and implemented many projects. We have hosted six annual Locavore Dinners as major fundraisers, hosted a Local Food Summit, established a local virtual farmers market, provided education and advocacy for Farm Bills, established a local food insecurity alliance, performed public educational outreach with local partners and accepted ownership of the farmers market in Troy, Ohio. We continue to assist local food farmers and producers by operating Cherry Street Local Farmers Market and promoting other farmers' markets within Miami County.
Kristie has been involved with local foods for as long as she can remember. She holds a degree in ecological agriculture and operated a small organic farm and community-supported agriculture program on her family's 40-acre farm in Piqua for over 20 years. After stopping farming, she still wanted to contribute to the local food scene in Miami County. Helping develop a local food council seemed a logical step. She has been involved since its inception and is now the president and the market manager of Cherry Street Local Farmers Market. She is passionate about assisting start-up farmers and food producers, developing programs emphasizing local foods' importance to our health and the economy, and helping the underserved in our area access healthy local foods.
Amber started Rosebud’s Ranch and Garden in late 2013 after attending a few Weston A. Price Foundation meetings. The Foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the American diet through education, research and activism. It was here that she learned about the benefits of grass-finished beef and pastured pork and poultry, the powerful probiotics in fermented food such as sauerkraut and kombucha and the benefits of salt, yes, salt, if you are consuming the right salt. Conversations about salt got her wheels turning, and she also wanted to be a part of the food movement that was happening with this organization. It was then that she decided to make seasoning mixes with Baja Gold Sea Salt, organic herbs and spices and leave out things like msg. Her business now produces over 30 different seasoning blends, a large variety of seasonal fruit butters and a gluten-free line. They package and sell over 100 different herbs and spices, dried fruits and nuts and sell products from over 25 local vendors in her stores. What started in 2013 from her home has now evolved into a 6,000-square-foot production facility and two storefronts, in addition to products being carried in many different locations in several states. She aims to help make mealtimes simple, nutritious and delicious!
Kelly has been a member of the MCLFC since its inception in 2016. She has been active in the local food scene for many years as the former manager of Stone’s Throw Local Food Co-op and also served as the market manager of the Downtown Troy Farmers Market when it was under the guidance of Troy Main Street. She resides in Troy and is the executive director of a local non-profit.
Marie comes from a family of backyard gardening enthusiasts and has enjoyed learning, experimenting and growing her own garden with her family over the last 15 years. She has volunteered with Cherry Street Local for a few years and has been involved with MCLFC for five years, even participating as a chef for one dinner! Marie appreciates good local food and enjoys preparing and presenting it in a beautiful way.
Becky and her husband, Mike, have a small family sustainable farm, working on boosting soil fertility using natural methods and pesticide-free applications. Becky enjoys connecting local folks with local food. It is so exciting for people to recognize how fresh local food tastes.
The Miami County Local Food Council seeks active board members. Board members support the overall mission of the council by attending meetings every other month, participating on and/or chairing a committee, attending events and helping out in other ways as needed. Contact us to learn more.
Becoming a member of the Miami County Local Food Council is a wonderful opportunity to support and engage with the local food community. By joining, you'll contribute to initiatives that promote local farmers, enhance public health and strengthen the local economy, all while connecting with others who share a passion for fresh and locally sourced food.
To join, mail in your membership form and fee via the address on the application.
Volunteer at the Cherry Street Local Farmers Market or other future events, such as our Locavore Dinner, of the Miami County Local Food Council. You can sign up and find a listing of open volunteer opportunities through our SignUp Genius page.
Volunteering may include:
Donate to the Miami County Local Food Council to help our mission to promote local farmers and producers and improve public health and the economy by connecting citizens with healthy local food.
To donate, send a check to MCLFC, PO Box 334, Troy, Ohio 45373. If you want to donate specifically to the Cherry Street Local Farmers Market, please note that in the check memo.
For more information, contact us online.
The Miami County Local Food Council is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to develop, support and promote local farmers and producers and to improve public health and the economy by connecting citizens with healthy local food.
EIN: 813339080
Miami County Local Food Council
PO Box 334
Troy, Ohio 45373
Miami County Local Food Council © 2024 | PRIVACY POLICY