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Introducing My Foodshed: A Hub for Local High Plains Food

Ogallala Commons (OC) has launched My Foodshed, a digital hub designed to inform and educate the public about locally grown food within the High Plains foodsheds. A foodshed refers to a specific geographic area where food is both produced and consumed. It’s similar in concept to a watershed, which encompasses the flow of water from its starting point to its endpoint. In contrast to the global systems that often transport food over vast distances (with some products traveling more than 1,300 miles), My Foodshed focuses on foods grown or crafted within specific local regions. These regions include the Red River Headwaters, Canadian River, Brazos River Headwaters, Permian Basin, and Arkansas Valley.

Why does food from the local foodshed matter to its residents?

While not all foodsheds can fully meet the needs of their inhabitants, there are significant benefits to producing and consuming locally grown food. Here are a few reasons:

1. Freshness and Nutrient Density:
Locally produced food tends to be fresher and more nutrient-dense compared to products that have traveled long distances. When you buy or create food within your foodshed, the money spent circulates within the local economy, benefiting the community.
2. Reduced Environmental Impact:
Local food production minimizes the resources required for packaging and transportation. This, in turn, reduces solid waste and lowers fossil fuel emissions associated with long-distance food supply chains.
3. Enhanced Food Security:
By relying on our local foodshed, we contribute to greater food security. Eating locally supports economic development within our communities and provides social and ecological benefits.

Strengthening Communities

Sustainable Food Systems

In summary, embracing food from our local foodshed not only supports our health but also strengthens our communities and reduces our environmental footprint.

Ogallala Commons, a nonprofit organization focused on education and leadership, has been actively involved in revitalizing the commonwealth to create vibrant communities across the Great Plains. Since 2006, we’ve been driving our Rebuilding Local Food Systems Program.

For more information, you can visit our website at ogallalacommons.org

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