Our Mission
OUR MISSION – LOCAL MOVEMENT
In the century of speed and technology, Midwest Foods invites you to go back to the roots. We are committed to promote and embolden a mindful living, which can’t be conceived in the absence of a healthy eating pattern. And if you ask us, what can be more healthy than LOCAL?!
Midwest Foods is dedicated to supporting local, sustainable, farming methods and is the premier channel for local farms. Our commitment to the local movement is so strong, that we do not only sell the fresh local produce, but we also developed a strategy to enhance and reinforce the impact of local.
We are extremely passionate about our locally grown produce, reason why we invite you to join Ellie on her farm tours, get to know your local farmers and follow the crop, from seed to harvest and into your plate.
Furthermore, Midwest Foods brings on-site farmers markets to the customers’ location. Our clients have nothing to do, but to sign up and complete a form. We will provide the goods and displays, sell items at the price determined by the customer and clean up.
Midwest Foods Local Committee was created to strengthen the communication between the farmer, the distributor and the chef. The committee members meet about 4 times per year to discuss important aspects of Midwest Foods local program and to contribute with new ideas and suggestions on how to grow and improve.
Moreover, we invite you to look for our specially marked local boxes with the “Local Certified” sticker, in order to easily identify local produce and differentiate it from other (globally sourced) produce in your order. Inside each box, you will find a product sheet with relevant information about the product and the farm where it comes from.
Our Local Philosophy – SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Although industrial agriculture currently prevails the US food system, public awareness of its flaws has proliferated, enabling the premises required to build extensive foundation for sustainable agriculture and a robust market for sustainable foods.
Sustainability is legally defined as an integrated system of plant and animal production using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. Sustainability is based on the principle that we must fulfill the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals: environmental health, economic viability and social – economic equity. Reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the responsibility of all participants in the system, including farmers, laborers, policy makers, researchers, retailers and consumers.
MWF works to support the transition to a sustainable food future, advocating for educating people about the benefits of sustainable agriculture and by providing the means and resources to help consumers make wiser food choices.
Why sustainability?
1.Conservation and preservation: waste stays within the farm’s ecosystem, and transportation and fossil fuel use are minimized;
2.Biodiversity: local farms raise a variety of plants and animals that are rotated around the fields to enrich soil and prevent disease and pest outbreak;
3.Animal welfare: animals carry out natural behavior, such as grazing, rooting, pecking, and are fed a more natural diet;
4.Economic viability: farmers become less dependent on government subsidies.
5.Socially just: workers are paid a fair wage, and offered a safe environment.