FoodRoutes Network (FRN), headquartered in Arnot, Pennsylvania in the United States, is a national
non-profit organization
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
that provides support to a variety of other localized groups that encourage
sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is farming in sustainable ways meeting society's present food and textile needs, without compromising the ability for current or future generations to meet their needs. It can be based on an understanding of ecosystem ser ...
and community-based food systems.
Its goal is to re-introduce Americans to their
food
Food is any substance consumed by an organism for nutritional support. Food is usually of plant, animal, or fungal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The substance is inge ...
: the seeds from which it grows, the farmers who produce it, and the routes it takes from the farm to their tables. They are the national coordinator for the 'Buy Fresh Buy Local' chapter network, with over 50 chapters as of 2007.
Its most visible efforts have been a series of marketing campaigns designed to make consumers aware of the benefits of buying and eating
local food
Local food is food that is produced within a short distance of where it is consumed, often accompanied by a social structure and supply chain different from the large-scale supermarket system.
Local food (or "locavore") movements aim to co ...
. FRN also maintains a website where consumers nationwide can find farms in their areas that sell direct to the public as well as restaurants that buy and serve locally grown food.
External links
FoodRoutes Network
Non-profit organizations based in Pennsylvania
Agricultural organizations based in the United States
Rural community development
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