Suncoast Food Alliance
The Suncoast Food Alliance is a unique endeavor to satisfy the demand for locally-grown products in West Central Florida by faciliating the connection between local chefs and area farmers. Farmers and food establishments have long desired to work together, but the rigors of both businesses have limited their time.
That’s where we come in. As a marketing and distribution company of locally grown products, we bridge the divide to meet the local demand for fresh items.
Our Farmers
At Suncoast Food Alliance, we believe that farmers should have a say! Farmers who choose to become involved set the price of their efforts.
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Aloe Organics
Their organic produce is grown in loving memory of Allison Hall Nelson "Aloe.” A portion of produce is donated to children battling cancer through the Center for Building Hope in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
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Bob's Veggie Patch
Since 2004, Bob has been growing high quality vegetables with his hydroponic operation. Bob is especially known for his exotic peppers, such as Shishito, Padron, and Heirloom Italian varieties.
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Dancing Goat Farms
Operated by Florida Local Food Movement pioneer, Pam Lunn, Dancing Goat Farms is known thoughout the area for uncompromising standards when producing its goat milk products and eggs.
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Hunsader Farms
Since 1967, Hunsader Farms has been using best farming practices to grow an amazing assortment of fruits and vegetables. Hunsader Farms offers many family-friendly activities and is a great place to spend the day.
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Mitchell's Natural Produce
The Mitchell Family, headed by "Miss Marge," is the first farm to commerically grow Madras Radish. They are also known for their Heirloom Tomatoes and European Seedless cucumbers. Watch Miss Marge explain her farm.
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Mixon Fruit Farms
Since 1929, Mixon Fruit Farms has been growing and selling Florida’s finest citrus. Open Monday through Saturday, Mixon Fruit Farms offers grove and wildlife tours, a lovely cafe, free samples, and a 14,000 square foot gift shop.
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Nature's Partner
Established over 30 years ago, this farm is run by Sustainability Legend and Author, Peter Burkard. He has been supplying our area with native fruits and vegetables before it was cool.
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Sweetgrass Farms
Established in 2014, Sweetgrass Farms is making a name for itself right out of the gate! From fresh herbs to vegetables, they have instantly become a great addition to our community.
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Watercress Farms
Part of a larger organization based in England, Watercress Farms provide European markets with greens and lettuces, but these guys understand the importance of supplying local markets as well. Watch Dave explain their new products.
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Contact Us
Interested in being a member farm? Contact us to learn more.
Sustainable Business Coalition of Tampa Bay
2014 Award Winner
Why Local?
It's simple, really. When you buy locally produced items, you:
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Get Fresher, More Nutritious Foods
Our goal is to deliver locally grown fruits and vegetables within 24 hours of harvest. Produce picked at the height of freshness tastes better and is more nutritionally complete. As time passes after harvest, nutritional values decline – dramatically.
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Help Preserve Biodiversity
Farmers who sell locally are not limited to the few varieties bred for long distance shipping, high yields, and shelf life. Instead, they raise and sell wonderful heirloom varieties that may be hard to find in supermarkets.
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Encourage Self-Sufficiency
A community that produces its own food enables people to influence how their food is grown. It reduces reliance on far-off food producers and stabilizes our food supply, which is important, especially during times of crisis.
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Improve Regional Economic Health
Buying locally grown foods keeps money within our community. This contributes to all sectors of the local economy and increases our quality of life.
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Help the Environment
Consuming locally produced foods decreases our carbon footprint. Because it does not require significant transportation or storage, both of which are very energy-intensive and pollute the air and water, eating locally helps the environment.
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Support a Way of Life
The number of small farms in the United States has dramatically decreased in the last decade. Supporting local farmers helps preserve an honest and worthy means of making a living and while ensuring they receive fair prices for their hard work.
Provide Learning Opportunities
Suncoast Food Alliance provides member growers the means to help educate our community about the importance of sustainable agriculture. We also provide chefs and food establishments the opporutnity to learn more about local farms.
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Contact Us
Are you a food establishment interested in purchasing from Suncoast Food Alliance? Contact us to learn more.
What's in Season?
News
To learn more about us, check out:
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Sustainable Business Coalition of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Sustainable Business Coalition of Tampa Bay, Inc. in partnership with The University of Tampa Center for Ethics: Winner, Sustainable Business Award, June 2014.
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Ben & Jerry’s
Made With Love: Suncoast Food Alliance Introduces us to the Farm Behind the Table, May 2014.
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The Crow’s Nest
Is Local the New Organic? February 2014.
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Heritage Radio Network
HRN Community Sessions: Episode 209 - The Refinery & Tampa, FL - with Eddie Shumard, September 2013.
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Fox 13, WTVT
Charley's World, The Refinery, August 2013.
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WSRQ
The Nilon Report with Ronni Blumenthal and John Matthews, July 2013.
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Ticket Sarasota - Farm Fresh
Farm Fresh: The Florida Small Farms Conference celebrates local food, August 2012.
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SRQ Magazine
Local Nosh, Pages 12 - 15, August 2012.
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Ticket Sarasota - Local Hero
Local Hero: Joel Salatin headlines Eat Local Week, April 2012.
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Highlands Today
‘Farm-to-table’ growing, March 2012.
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10 News, WTSP.com
Restaurants ''getting fresh'' with local farmers, February 2012.
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Tampa Bay Times
From local farm to restaurant table in Tampa Bay, February 2012.
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Natural Awakenings
Connecting Food With Restaurants, November 2011.
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TBO.com
From farm to plate: Local tours show chefs food supply, September 2011.
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Local food is more than a fad for Tampa chefs, December 2010.
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Edible Sarasota
Urban Forager: A Forager For Our Future, February 2010.
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Sarasota Herald Tribune - Local Farmers
Spreading the word about local farmers: About last year's final farm-to-fork dinner and the importance of eating locally, June 2009.
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farmtoconsumer.org
Looking For Local, Organic Food? There’s A Virtual Solution, October 2008.
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Sarasota Herald Tribune - Farm to Fork
From farm to fork, August 2008.