The north dakota rural electric cooperative foundation will address shrinking food supply chain capacity across north dakota significantly impacting farmers ranchers processors and institutional…

The north dakota rural electric cooperative foundation will address shrinking food supply chain capacity across north dakota significantly impacting farmers ranchers processors and institutional buyers particularly in rural communities. This project aims to establish a pilot food warehouse facility in minot representing the first step in developing a statewide network of food hubs designed to meet both first mile needs encompassing aggregation valueadded processing and local sourcing and last mile requirements including farmtoschool programs and support for food banks. The project involves quantifying existing demand for locally produced goods matching this demand with regional producers and processors creating the operational structure for the facility and establishing an initial design and layout. Anticipated outcomes include strengthened local food systems improved access to agricultural products for consumers and institutions and enhanced support for regional food businesses.