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.
• 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

Shop at grocers and retail stores that 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. Visit Buy Fresh Buy Local – Grocers & Retailers to find more store options.

• Shop at grocers and retail stores that sell local foods. Open Harvest and Super Saver are two examples of grocers that supply local products. While shopping, look for signs or other identification that the products are local.
• There are multiple farmers markets spread across Lincoln that offer a diverse array of fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods. Visit the Saturday Haymarket Farmers' Market, Sunday Farmers' Market at College View, East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market, Thursday Farmers Market in Fallbrook, or the Wednesday Hub Farmers Market. Search for other farmers markets using Buy Fresh Buy Local – Local Farmers Markets.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) is 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 Salt Creek Farmers' Cooperative, or find other CSAs using Local Harvest.
• Support local food by dining at restaurants that prioritize sourcing from nearby farms. Discover such restaurants and additional retailers through Buy Fresh Buy Local - Restaurants & Caterers.

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.