Local Food Challenge Seeks Participants Through October

Local Food Challenge Seeks Participants Through October

Published on September 26, 2025

Nearly 30 organizations are connecting with nearby food producers

The City today encouraged businesses, schools, restaurants and institutions to participate in the Mayor's Local Food Challenge that runs through October 31. The program challenges Lincoln organizations to source food from local producers.

Nearly 30 organizations have joined the program since the challenge began in July. By sourcing food locally, participants help reduce food insecurity, boost the local economy, and reduce the environmental impact of long-distance food transport - all while enjoying fresh, high-quality food, said Kim Morrow, Chief Sustainability Officer.

More than half of the participating organizations have already reached the first milestone by placing two local food orders. These organizations have received a Mayor's Local Food Challenge window cling to display their participation.

"Community members can support the challenge by looking for the bright red tomato badge in storefront windows, designating official participants," Morrow said. "If you spot one, be sure to stop in and show your support - whether with a purchase or a few words of encouragement."

Peyton Janicek, Duncan Aviation Wellness Coordinator, said Duncan employees "thoroughly enjoyed" a food subscription program from Robinette Farms that provided local food products on a weekly schedule.

"We've received great feedback on the exceptional quality and variety of the produce, especially during this peak season. It's been a fantastic partnership, providing our team members and their families with fresh, locally grown food," Janicek said

Caleb Vercellino, Regional Executive Chef for The Landing, said the use of locally sourced ingredients has become an important part of the dining experience across their restaurant venues.

"Our residents have responded enthusiastically, sharing that they feel more connected to their community and local farms when they know where their food is coming from. For our culinary team, the freshness has been inspiring to create menus and celebrate the best of what our local producers have to offer. The value of having access to these flavorful ingredients from our nearby farms truly cannot be overstated," Vercellino said.

The City works with two local food hubs, Lone Tree Foods of Lincoln and Robinette Farms of Martell, to connect challenge participants with high-quality food grown within a 250-mile radius of Lincoln.

At the end of the challenge, participants will be recognized and celebrated for their commitment to sourcing local food, Morrow said. The commitment levels are based on the number of local food orders placed during the 18-week program:

• Platinum - 18 orders
• Gold - 17 to 13 orders
• Silver - 12 to 7 orders
• Bronze - 6 to 2 orders

Methods organizations can participate in the challenge include:

• Workplace Wellness and Food Programming

Employees can pick up local food subscription boxes at their workplaces.

• Wholesale to Employee Cafeteria/Special Events

Accounts can be created to begin regular delivery of local food to cafeterias or special events.

• Wholesale to Restaurants

Those in the food service industry may shop online, or receive emails, texts, or calls from sales teams.

• Farm to School

Schools may use resources like the Harvest of the Month curriculum or highlight a local producer each month to incorporate local food into school meals.

• Custom

Collaborative producer networks can build a custom solution tailored to an institution's needs and goals.

For more information or to register for the Mayor's Local Food Challenge, visit lincoln.ne.gov/foodchallenge.