Farm Fresh Rhode Island blog

As a Rhode Islander who stays in the loop with our newsletter, you probably know about the growing number of places across our state where you can expect to find local food. There are now over 45 farmers markets and 3 winter markets in RI, plus dozens of restaurants, colleges, and every public school district sourcing fresh from local farms.

But would you believe that it’s only 1% of our food? And that’s not for lack of supply.

The other 99% of our food — including grocers, hospitals, senior care facilities, daycares, workplaces cafeterias and food distributors — haven’t yet shown a commitment to RI’s local farmers and small business economy.

We are trying to change that.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of RI is leading the way by working with Farm Fresh to serve healthful, fresh, locally grown products in their employee cafeteria. Jenn Baumstein, an AmeriCorp VISTA at Farm Fresh, helped Chef Mike Mooney get started purchasing from the Market Mobile in February 2010. They buy frozen berries from Schartner Farms for a fruit and yogurt parfait. Local winter squashes are roasted with very little oil or steamed with apple juice and topped with fresh herbs. They do the same with local red potatoes. Signs let Blue Cross’s 1,100 employees know where the produce is coming from, and Mooney was surprised by the number of people who were interested and excited by the fact that they get to eat local produce every day. So far, feedback from employees has been tremendously positive.

“Blue Cross is really pushing this initiative at all levels of the organization, supporting the local farmers, local community and good nutrition. They realize that local fresh vegetables are healthier than fresh veggies coming from California because vegetables start to lose their nutrients once they’ve been picked,” said Mooney.

Want your workplace to buy local produce? Have questions or comments? Email Jenn.