About Us.
What is a Food Hub? We are a farmer-owned collective that pools resources to market and distribute our members’ products. We offer consumers the ability to purchase directly from multiple local farmers with one order via our online marketplace. Our farmers, all of whom are within 150 miles of Sioux Falls, are committed to sustainable food production for our communities.
Our Story
Dakota Fresh Food Hub began when farmers in eastern South Dakota were looking for ways to expand their customer base, while streamlining sales and delivery. In 2016, after months of discussion, research, and planning, Dakota Fresh was born: a farmer-owned organization to jointly market and deliver products to wholesale markets. In 2019, we expanded to also serve individuals through our online farmer’s market, which is currently serving Sioux Falls and Brookings.
We are pleased to have been supported by many organizations who share our goal of expanding the reach of local, nutritious food in our region including SDSU Extension, Dakota Rural Action, South Dakota Specialty Producers Association, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Stensland Family Farm, Bozieds, and Dakota Community Market.
Structure
Dakota Fresh is a cooperative LLC. Members share equal ownership, operate, and invest in the food hub. Our volunteer Board of Managers keeps the hub running, and we depend on a manager to oversee our sales and delivery staff that ensures local goods arrive at their final destination. We are currently accepting new producers who share a collaborative mindset and a commitment to sustainable and regenerative growing practices! For details on how to join, click here!
A Growing Venture
We have expanded our initial wholesale market to retail sales, and we continue to set our sights on growth. As a community-minded food hub, we are committed to being a resource and conduit for local food access in southeast South Dakota. We are continually developing partnerships with like-minded groups and businesses to encourage a thriving local food movement in our region. Contact us to discuss how we can partner with your organization!
Our Partnerships
South Dakota Specialty Producers Association
SDSPA is a non-profit organization that is made up of specialty producers in the state of South Dakota - like the ones who contribute to the Dakota Fresh Food Hub. But beyond that, their members can be processors, chefs, marketers, consumers, and more - all of whom are passionate about local, specialty crops. SDSPA has been a wonderful partner with Dakota Fresh, assisting with grant opportunities, access to marketing, support for specialty crop events to spread awareness, and more!
Local Foods Purchase Assistance Program
Through a USDA and DANR cooperative grant, Dakota Fresh participates in a program that procures and delivers locally grown food to South Dakotans in need, while providing a market opportunity for South Dakota producers.
Dakota Fresh serves as a connection between producers and communities by purchasing and arranging delivery of the South Dakota producer’s products to Feeding South Dakota sites. Producers do not need to be members/owners of Dakota Fresh to participate in this opportunity.
Partners: If you are connected to other producers who may be interested in selling their products to the LFPA program or are involved with a local community food relief organization and would like to assist with product pickup or delivery, please contact abby@dakotafreshllc.com or info@feedingsouthdakota.org.
Communities: If your community would benefit from increased access to locally grown foods through LFPA deliveries please contact abby@dakotafreshllc.com or info@feedingsouthdakota.org.