Close Foods

About Close Foods

The Science and Heart Behind Eating Close to Home

Our Story

Close Foods began with a simple observation: the best-tasting, most nutritious food we'd ever eaten came from farms we could visit. But as we dug deeper, we discovered this wasn't just about taste—it was about a fundamental truth that modern research is now proving.

When you shorten the distance between farm and table, everything gets better.

The Close Foods Movement

We're building a movement that reconnects communities with their food sources because the evidence is overwhelming: proximity matters more than we ever imagined.

What We've Learned

Recent peer-reviewed research has revealed stunning truths about our food system:

The Nutrition Crisis

  • • Vegetables lose 15-77% of their vitamins within the first week after harvest
  • • That "fresh" broccoli in your supermarket? It's lost 68% of its vitamin C
  • • Local produce (harvested within 1-3 days) retains 85-95% of its nutrients
  • • Organic, regeneratively-grown crops contain up to 69% more antioxidants

The Economic Truth

  • • Every dollar spent on local food generates $1.32-$1.90 in your community
  • • Local food systems create 3x more jobs than industrial agriculture
  • • When you buy distant food, 90% of your dollar immediately leaves your community
  • • Strong local food systems measurably increase regional prosperity

The Environmental Reality

  • • Food miles account for 19% of all food system emissions—3-7x higher than previous estimates
  • • Local food systems can reduce emissions by up to 50% through shortened supply chains
  • • Industrial refrigeration for long-distance transport consumes 15% of global electricity
  • • Local, regenerative farms actually build soil health while producing food

The Community Connection

  • • People engaged in local food systems have measurably stronger social connections
  • • Community gardeners consume 1.4x more fruits and vegetables
  • • Local food participants are 35% less likely to develop depression
  • • During COVID-19, communities with local food networks maintained superior food security

Why "Close" Matters

The Closer, The Better Framework

We don't define "local" by arbitrary mileage. Instead, we recognize that every mile closer your food travels delivers compounding benefits for nutrition, community connections, and economic impact.

What Makes Close Foods Different

1. Science-Based Approach

We're not driven by nostalgia or ideology. Every claim we make is backed by peer-reviewed research from leading institutions.

2. Farmer-First Philosophy

We exist to connect farmers directly with their communities, ensuring they receive fair prices while building lasting relationships.

3. Inclusive Vision

Local food isn't just for the privileged. We're committed to making proximity-based food systems accessible to all communities.

4. Regenerative Focus

We prioritize farms using organic and regenerative practices that rebuild soil health—the foundation of human health.

5. Community Building

We're not just a directory. We're fostering connections that strengthen the social fabric of communities.

The Path Forward

Individual Actions, Collective Impact

Start Personal

  • • Find one local farm this week
  • • Replace one grocery item with a local alternative
  • • Visit a farmers market this weekend
  • • Share a meal made with local ingredients

Build Community

  • • Start or join a buying club
  • • Advocate for local procurement in schools
  • • Support farm-to-institution programs
  • • Share your local food discoveries

Create Change

  • • Vote for policies protecting farmland
  • • Invest in local food infrastructure
  • • Educate others about food system impacts
  • • Support beginning farmers

Join the Movement

Your Food Choices Shape Your World

The science is clear: The closer your food, the better it is for everyone.

Together, we're rebuilding food systems that nourish people, prosperity, and planet—one close connection at a time.