South Dakota Local Foods Network Reconnects
Chef Scott Brinker of Morrison Healthcare prepared meats, produce, and grains for a meal of South Dakota local foods.
Members from organizations across the state met in central South Dakota on May 10, 2021 to discuss the future of local foods in South Dakota and how all of the different organizations can work together to promote and strengthen local food systems in South Dakota. Participants included the S.D. Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources, SDSU Extension, the S.D. Animal Industry Board, the S.D. Dept. of Tourism, the Sicangu Community Development Corporation, Dakota Rural Action, and the S.D. Specialty Producers Association.
Representatives sat down together in a barn at Cedar Creek Farm for lunch at prepared by Chef Scott Brinker of Morrison Healthcare. Chef Scott utilized local meats, produce, and grains for a meal of S.D. local foods. A long time supporter of local foods, Chef Scott addressed the crowd about the importance of making local ingredients available through distribution to places like schools and hospitals, so that commercial entities can support and strengthen our local food system. Everyone enjoyed the hearty meal, then began the task of bringing the different groups together to work on these issues as a team.
The focus of this initial meeting of the South Dakota Local Foods Network was to assess the state of local foods in South Dakota and identify where more work is needed to improve and expand upon food systems, provide support for producers, and improve infrastructure for distribution of local foods in the state to consumers, retail outlets, and commercial enterprises.
“The importance of bringing together all entities in South Dakota working on local foods initiatives was really made clear by the recent supply chain issues during the pandemic. If we can continue to showcase the fresh, healthy foods raised right here in our state, and provide easy access to consumers, the timing seems right to build a strong network,” said Kari O’Neil, SDSU Extension, Community Vitality Specialist and event organizer.
There are more groups that many in attendance mentioned they would like to invite to these meetings. Producers are also highly encouraged to attend and help direct the efforts of the network moving forward. If interested contact sdspainfo@gmail.com to participate in the next meeting, which will be held online on June 15 at 2 p.m. Central.