Healthy Local Food for All!

 

HISTORY

SBN's Boston Local Food Program has been dedicated to nurturing the growth of New England's agricultural and food industry, ensuring that the benefits of local, healthy food are accessible to everyone in our diverse community. Our mission is to support the growth of local food producers, farmers, and entrepreneurs while ensuring equal access to nutritious food for communities of all backgrounds.

We connect local communities by raising awareness of the advantages of supporting local businesses and facilitating networking connections between food producers and consumers at both individual and wholesale levels. Each year, we empower hundreds of New England farmers and food and beverage producers, engaging tens of thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds in our efforts to strengthen our local food system. The Boston Local Food Program has become a vital resource for those who seek to participate in and strengthen our region's vibrant local food ecosystem.

 

  • Kerry Kokkinogenis

    Local Food Program Manager

    kerry@sbnmass.org

    Since graduating with an M.A. in Health Communication in 2008, Kerry has sought to address health disparities in a variety of ways, including studying and addressing the bigger-picture factors that impact health and wellness, including food, strong local communities, and economic opportunities. In 2016, Kerry opened a local-focused, brick-and-mortar food store selling only food grown or produced in the Northeast Region, and more recently, pivoted to a farm-to-home delivery model. After joining the SBN team in April 2023, Kerry has been employing the skills and experiences of those varied endeavors to support local food businesses, farmers, and fisheries with SBN.

  • Gabrielle Brocker

    Local Food Program Coordinator

    gabrielle@sbnmass.org

    Gabrielle recently graduated from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Agricultural Communication. During her undergraduate education, she learned about sustainable agriculture and became captivated by the idea of supplying locally grown food to a nearby market. Cal Poly’s Learn By Doing motto allowed her to work with professionals and peers at the top of California’s agriculture industry, learning about modern solutions to decade-old problems. Gabrielle is looking forward to connecting with local producers and buyers, aiming to foster a thriving and resilient community in Boston. Her goal as the Local Food Program Coordinator is to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local food system, thereby fostering a stronger connection between regional producers and consumers.

  • Rhea Shirodkar

    Data Procurement Intern

    rhea@sbnmass.org

    Rhea is currently enrolled as a sophomore Business Administration major within the University of New Hampshire. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to combine her passions for sustainability and data analytics through her work at the SBN by providing analytical support to the organization. Rhea is looking forward to doing her part in the green movement by learning more about how she can assemble data to generate exposure and connect local food producers and buyers within local Boston communities. She hopes to use this knowledge to foster a greater understanding of the innovation behind local businesses, as well as emphasize the importance of sustainability throughout our communities.