Our Mission

Foodshed Alliance works to strengthen sustainable farming, increase access to local, healthy food, and protect the environment for all members of our communities

Foodshed Alliance is a nonprofit organization in New Jersey dedicated to helping farmers, feeding people, and protecting the environment. Our mission is to strengthen sustainable and regenerative farming, increase access to local, healthy food, and safeguard the environment for all members of our communities. We believe that the future of our health, our land, and our communities depends on the viability of local farms—farmers are the keystone to our connection with food, the land, and our sense of place. This conviction drives us to work with farmers, consumers, agricultural professionals, academia, and community partners to rebuild a resilient and healthy “foodshed” that supports farmers, nourishes people, respects the land, and strengthens communities. The Foodshed Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) registered non-profit devoted to promoting sustainable farming and locally grown, fresh, healthy food in northern New Jersey. 

What Is A “Foodshed”?
A foodshed is the geographic location that produces the food for a particular population. The term describes a region where food flows from the area that it is produced to the place where it is consumed, including the land it grows on, the route it travels, the markets it passes through, and the tables it ends up on.
A foodshed is analogous to a watershed in that foodsheds outline the flow of food feeding a particular population, whereas watersheds outline the flow of water draining to a particular location.

Impact of Our Programs and Initiatives

  • SAgE (Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise): This program focuses on increasing farmland access for new and expanding farmers, including those from historically marginalized communities, by offering long-term leases on affordable farmland. It also emphasizes farmer viability by providing technical assistance that helps farmers adopt sustainable practices, protecting the environment while producing healthy food.

  • LocalShare: LocalShare, creates food access by rescuing surplus produce from local farms and distributing it to hunger relief programs and partners serving people facing food/nutrition insecurity across New Jersey. This farm-based food recovery initiative not only feeds people but also reduces food waste and strengthens community ties.

  • Paulins Kill Watershed Community Programming: We are committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices through initiatives that focus on protecting and restoring the Paulins Kill Watershed. This program emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable land use practices within the watershed community.

  • Grains Project: A new initiative aimed at establishing a robust local grain economy. By empowering farmers to diversify their crops and improve economic resilience, this project contributes to a more sustainable and self-reliant local food system, enhancing the overall viability of our regional agriculture.

  • Market Access – Food Hub: We support local farmers by connecting them with larger markets, including institutions, ensuring that locally produced food is accessible to more people. This initiative also helps farmers grow their businesses and contributes to a stronger local economy. The program also includes the Farm to Pantry Purchase Program, community farmers markets, and develops and capitalizes on growing market trends that enhance farmers’ economic viability.

  • Climate-Smart Agriculture: We encourage and support farming practices that respect and replenish the land and its natural ecosystems while producing healthy food. These practices help mitigate climate change, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of New Jersey’s agricultural lands.

  • Community Engagement and Education: We raise awareness about the importance of locally-grown food and farming through educational programs, workshops, and community events. Our efforts help people understand how food impacts their health, the economy, and the environment, fostering a greater connection between eaters and growers.

  • Blairstown Farmers Market: We support local agriculture and provide access to fresh, locally grown produce through the Blairstown Farmers Market. This market serves as a vital community resource, connecting consumers with local farmers and enhancing the availability of healthy food options.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) The Foodshed Alliance is committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in all areas of our work, including our programs, communications, and advocacy. We strive to create an inclusive environment within our organization and the broader community, ensuring that our work reflects and respects the diverse population we serve.

Commitments We commit to policies, staffing, and practices that reflect a sustained dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and the improvement of our organizational culture. We aim to build lasting partnerships and strengthen our JEDI work through advocacy and programs that elevate the needs of and create opportunities for marginalized communities.