LOCALadk Magazine

Summer 2017 LOCALadk Magazine 25 LOCALadk The food hub in Essex is part of a larger national trend of a relatively new food distribution model that works to improve access to local foods. While each varies, food hubs usually buy from local growers and sell to schools, institutions, stores, and restaurants. They have become popular because of the increasing consumer demand for fresh, local food. Food hubs offer a bridge between food producers and consumers, providing a mutually beneficial relationship across both ends of the food system: institutions don't have time to buy food from a dozen or more separate farms with different invoice systems and delivery dates, so hubs simplify matters by becoming a single, go-to source. The success of food hubs across the country shows that local food is no fad. Perhaps the most visible part of the Hub on the Hill is the public market space, which is open daily. It's a venue for farmers and food producers to sell their goods and for locals to buy farm- fresh foods—in a region that is ironically home to multiple food deserts. Susie Smith, owner of Flying Pancakes Catering, sells her "grab-n-go farm-fresh meals" and DAK Bars, a whole-food energy bar, here. Other products available include yogurts, cheeses, and frozen yogurt from North Country Creamery in Keesville; Reber Rock Farm's cold-pressed sunflower oil, maple syrup, and medicinal tinctures; bulk bins filled with cornmeal, wheat berries, and whole wheat flour from Full and By Farm; and fresh spring greens from Juniper Hill Farm in Wadhams. There are also fruity shrubs from Forever Wild Beverage Co. While many producers involved are located in and around Essex, others extend as far north as Keeseville and as far away as Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Wekin also sells many of the Hub products at the Plattsburgh Coop and other local grocery stores.

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