Food and beverage establishments and organizations across New England are invited to participate in the upcoming 2025 Local Food Count, a regional effort to measure how much local food they buy and sell within the six-state region.

The Local Food Count is part of the New England Feeding New England (NEFNE) initiative, which aims to strengthen the region’s food system and increase local food sourcing. By participating, restaurants, schools, distributors, grocers and other food and beverage buyers and sellers headquartered in New England help identify purchasing patterns and uncover opportunities to grow local food procurement across the region.

Participation is open to food and beverage establishments or organizations in all six New England states, including Maine.

Food-related establishments are encouraged to take the pledge now to confirm their commitment to the Local Food Count. Pledge materials, prep worksheets, and past results are available online too help participants get ready for data collection. Data collection will begin in January 2026, with results shared later in the year.

To take the pledge and access materials, visit New England Food System Planners Partnership Local Foods Count website.