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New York Farm Viability Institute

A Strong Future for New York Agriculture

Project Profiles

NYFVI Grant Strengthens Farm’s & Foodlink’s Distribution Network
 

“Our sales have tripled and we have room to yet grow,” says Liz Sanders of Fresh Link Farms in Penfield (Monroe County), New York. She is describing the first six months of shipping fresh produce through the Rochester-based Foodlink Distribution Network.

A $75,000 New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc. grant to the not-for-profit foodbank organization helped make Foodlink’s trucks, coolers, freezer storage and certified repacking facility available to New York growers.

Prior to the fall of 2005, after making deliveries to food pantries, shelters and after-school programs in 10 Central and Western NY counties, the Foodlink trucks were returning empty to a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse. Foodlink opened its Farmers Fulfillment Center in July 2005 and within months had transported 600,000-plus pounds of NY-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to local and regional buyers. For a small fee, Foodlink’s refrigerated trucks load fresh-picked produce at the farms and deliver to buyers set up by the growers.

The distribution network has now expanded to buyers outside New York State, helping Liz Sanders and other NY growers reach new markets. Produce from large and small farms is combined for delivery to New York City markets and beyond.

“Before Foodlink, we delivered locally in our minivan to the Rochester area and once in a while into Syracuse or Buffalo. Now we are able to reach New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia and get top dollar for our high quality, specialty products. We used to sell $200 worth of micro-greens a week, now we fill single orders of $2,000 a week,” Liz says.

“Without Foodlink’s trucks these kinds of big sales would be impossible, Liz says. “We are now looking to expand our capacity, grow more produce and sell more products. Last winter we closed. This year our greenhouse crops look great and our markets look great for quick turnaround and profit margin through the winter. Foodlink has opened the horizons for Fresh Link Farms.”

In November 2006, Liz was busy talking with current customers to plan her 2007 seedings, developing markets in the Boston area, and brainstorming with Foodlink’s Jack Montague about Baltimore as a potential destination for the Foodlink trucks.

Foodlink Executive Director and founder Tom Ferraro describes the distribution network in agricultural, economic and social terms. He says, “This initiative increases farmers’ ability to sell their product, which increases their profits, which in turn allows them to hire others, and helps us meet our core goal to impact hunger by addressing the root causes through economic development.”

For More Info:
Jack Montague
Foodlink Distribution Network
585-328-3380
www.buyhereny.com