The Nebraska. Local. (formerly known as Good. Fresh. Local.) program began in September 2005 and is a very popular local dining program with students and the university community. This program defines 'local' as food that comes from Nebraska farmers, producers, and manufacturers.
The Nebraska. Local. program is built on a foundation that:
- Serves traditional menu items that promote the value of local food
- Educates students about sustainable agriculture and the positive impact it has on the environment, local economy, and communities
- Provides a new distribution opportunity for local farmers and producers in the world of university food service
The Nebraska. Local. project was created by the following team members:
- Nebraska Cooperative Development Center
- Nebraska farmers, producers, and manufacturers
- The Food Processing Center
- The Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society
- University Dining Services
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln students
The Nebraska. Local. program features special monthly meals at Cather and East Campus Union Dining Centers and incorporates individual local menu items on a daily basis. In addition, the University Catering offers Nebraska Local menus and a few local items are offered at Abel/Sandoz, Harper, and Selleck Dining Centers.
Our Current Producers
Plum Creek Farms
Located in Burchard, NE
Established in 2003
Owned by Logan and Olivia Barr
Provide first class chicken, eggs, and grass-fed beef to local consumers.
Plum Creek Farms
Raikes Beef Co.
Located in Ashland, NE
Run by Justin Raikes
Expect to be fully certified organic by 2026.
Raikes Beef Co.
Pekarek's Produce
Located in Dwight, NE
Run by Ryan and Katie Pekarek
Produce fresh fruits and vegetables and offer a weekly subscription program to get vegetables.
Pekarek's Produce
Rotella's Italian Bakery
Nearest location in La Vista, NE
Offer over 400 varieties of bread including sliced bread, hoagies, rolls, and buns.
Mission: “To masterfully blend old world skill and experience with modern efficiencies to provide the very best quality breads and rolls.”
Rotella's Italian Bakery
Lone Tree Foods
Located in Lincoln, NE
Established in 2014
Founded by Justin Jones and Mark Roh
Work with over 50 local producers to distribute fresh foods, offering pickup and delivery options.
Lone Tree Foods
Abie Vegetable
Located in Abie, NE
Dedicated to providing fresh, local, sustainable food to the community.
Abie Vegetable
Robinette Farms
Located in Martell, NE
Run by Alex McKiernan and Chloe Diegel
Goal: “produce high quality organic greens and micro greens for busy families trying to get quick, healthy meals on the table each day."
Provide a local food subscription by distributing food from over 20 local producers.
Robinette Farms
Hiland Dairy
Offer dairy products including butter, cheese, milk, ice cream, juice, yogurt, and many more.
Hiland Dairy
EBee's Honey
Preference will be given to food that comes from Nebraska farmers, producers and manufacturers.
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