Finding locally grown food has gotten a little easier because of an online marketplace that allows food buyers to search for local farms and markets, and even have products delivered.
Harvest to Market was launched in 2009 by Andrew Walters of Fitzwilliam, a software developer, entrepreneur and social activist. The Web site has since expanded to connect food producers and consumers across Northern New England.
Retail stores, schools, farmers’ markets and neighborhood buying clubs use the platform, frequently working with aggregators like Monadnock Menus and Vermont’s Windham Farm & Food, each of which has a customized online ordering platform on the site.
Harvest to Market eliminates cost and technology barriers for aggregators, farmers and farmers’ markets. Each can create a customized page where buyers can make purchases and either pick up their goods at the market or have them delivered.
As the site has grown, it has become more flexible and is adding key features and attracting new users. It won second prize in the 2014 NH Social Venture Innovation Challenge’s community track, for overcoming the fundamental logistical challenges associated with finding and buying local food.
Charlene Andersen is the Manager of Business Education for the Community Loan Fund's Business Finance team.
About the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund
The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, based in Concord, N.H., turns investments into loans and education to create opportunity and transform lives. We collaborate with a wide range of donors and investors, and with business, nonprofit, and government partners, to provide the financing and support people need to have affordable homes, have quality jobs and child care, and become financially independent. Established in 1983, the Community Loan Fund was one of the first Community Development Financial Institutions in the nation and has received industry awards and recognition for social impact, financial strength, and performance.
