By Scout Nelson
Caldwell, Kansas, a community steeped in history and ambition, is embarking on a pioneering project to connect its local food producers directly with consumers. This project, known as the Border Queen Harvest Hub (BQ-Double H), is spearheaded by Jill Kuehny of Vision Caldwell in collaboration with Rick McNary of Shop Kansas Farms.
This partnership reflects a shared vision of enhancing the local agricultural economy and fostering a tighter-knit community through increased access to local foods.
The initiative gained momentum from McNary's successful Shop Kansas Farms platform, which emerged during the pandemic to link Kansas farm and ranch families with consumers seeking fresh, local produce. The platform's growth underscores demand for locally sourced food, now boasting over 164,000 members seeking to buy local.
Karen Sturm's invitation to Shop Kansas Farms highlighted Caldwell's readiness to embrace such a model. Known as The Border Queen and celebrated for its rich history along the Chisholm Trail, Caldwell is now setting its sights on becoming a modern hub for local food production and consumption. With a significant grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, the BQ-Double H is moving from concept to reality.
Kuehny's initiative aims to foster community engagement through events like town halls and Market of Farms, while supporting small businesses and agriculture entrepreneurs. Its multifaceted goal is to expand market reach, streamline supply chains, and enhance the community's economic resilience.
BQ-Double H's economic development track focuses on supporting small businesses by providing capital access and marketing strategies. It supports local meat processors and commercial kitchens to fill supply chain gaps and simplifies distribution for local producers, facilitating connections with grocery stores, markets, and direct-to-consumer sales channels.
McNary envisions the hub as a comprehensive resource where consumers can easily trace their food from the farm where it's grown to the table where it's served. This transparency not only enhances consumer trust but also elevates the profile of local agriculture.
The Border Queen Harvest Hub represents a promising leap forward for Caldwell, embodying the spirit of innovation and community collaboration. By linking local growers with consumers and providing essential tools for success, this initiative stands as a testament to the power of local action in shaping a sustainable food system.
Photo Credit - gettyimages-creischl
Categories: Kansas, Business, Rural Lifestyle