In the April 2026 issue of Produce Business, Midwest Foods’ Alex Frantz shares key insights about local sourcing, while challenging the idea of what true “sustainability” looks like today in produce distribution. Sustainability and local sourcing can no longer operate out of a 1.0 model where local is defined almost entirely by proximity; we need to make the shift to a 2.0 model that addresses not only locality but also how the food was grown and by whom, and whether this new system can be sustained to create a lasting competitive advantage.
Earth Month Demand is Rising
Each April, sustainability efforts take center stage; however, previous metrics can no longer encompass how we define sustainability and local sourcing.
Demand for locally sourced food continues year-round, with expectations extending well beyond a single month.
- Healthcare, hospitality, K-12 cafeterias, and RFPs increasingly require local sourcing
- Large-scale distributors launching local programs reinforce the growing demand
- Earth Month campaigns amplify awareness and urgency around local sourcing practices
“Local” is no longer a niche claim. As demand continues to grow, so does the need for more strategic sourcing models that deliver measurable, long-term impact.
Why “Local” Is Getting More Complicated
Local sourcing is becoming more difficult to define as expectations continue to shift. Operators and institutions need a distribution partner that understands what it takes to make local sourcing not just possible, but successful at scale.
Some of the limitations of Local Sourcing 1.0 include:
- Definitions of “local” vary widely across growers and buyers, often focusing only on geographic proximity rather than production practices
- Cost, consistency, and vendor complexity create competing priorities
- Short-term initiatives fail to sustain long-term momentum
- Smaller growers often lack the infrastructure needed for consistent distribution
What qualifies as “local” for one buyer may not meet the criteria for another, creating a lack of standardization and making it difficult for programs to scale effectively. These challenges are driving a shift toward more comprehensive sourcing models that prioritize both sustainability and long-term success.
What Local Sourcing 2.0 Looks Like
To have a significant impact, local sourcing needs to shift to a 2.0 model that guarantees a new baseline valuing:
- Sustainable and regenerative practices
- Strategic interdependence
- Economic impact on the supply chain
- Systems built on longevity and consistently scalable results
The 2.0 model transcends traditional metrics, aligning sourcing decisions with broader sustainable impact.
The Role of the Distributor
Wholesale distributors are critical for turning sourcing goals into a functional reality. At Midwest Foods, local sourcing has been a core pillar for over 20 years, supported by long-standing programs built to:
- Benefit growers and regional economies
- Build and sustain relationships throughout the supply chain
- Translate sustainability commitments into practical solutions
As sourcing demands evolve, Midwest Foods focuses on sustainable practices that balance operational efficiency with long-term impact, helping buyers maintain consistency while supporting the long-term stability of growers.
From Seasonal Initiative to Long-Term Strategy
Delivering meaningful results requires local sourcing to move beyond short-term tactics and Earth Month initiatives. Instead, it calls for consistent, year-round support for both buyers and growers.
When approached strategically, local sourcing becomes:
- A catalyst for supply chain development
- A tool to support agriculture and emerging growers
- A meaningful differentiator in a competitive market
As demand for local sourcing continues to grow, the models behind it must support more than proximity. They must deliver on their promises, providing measurable impact and consistent outcomes that create long-term value across the supply chain.
This recap was prepared by Midwest Foods’ editorial team. The original article in Produce Business was written by Midwest Foods’ Director of Local & Sustainability, Alex Frantz.
Alex Frantz
Director of Local & Sustainability, Midwest Foods
Leads Midwest Foods’ local sourcing and sustainability programs, connecting farms with chefs and institutions to build a values-driven food system. She oversees supply chain development, food waste reduction, and responsible sourcing initiatives, and serves in leadership roles with Green City Market and multiple regional and national sustainability councils.
