The National Food Hub Survey Launches to Collect Data on the Impact of Local and Regional Food Supply Chains
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EmailTo understand the impact of food hubs, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS), in partnership with the University of Michigan Program Evaluation Group, launched the sixth iteration of the National Food Hub Survey.
Food hubs, or businesses and organizations that aggregate and distribute source-identified food for local and regional distribution are integral parts of resilient regional food systems. To understand their impact, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS), in partnership with the University of Michigan Program Evaluation Group, is excited to launch the sixth National Food Hub Survey. This survey seeks data on the economic growth, activities, opportunities and challenges of food hubs and similar businesses across the United States.
“As a farmer myself, I know that one of the biggest roadblocks to success is finding a way to get our products into a profitable market,” Sam Stokes, Food and Farm Business Outreach Coordinator of CRFS said. “Food Hubs have a huge role to play in helping healthy, local food feed our communities. I have high hopes that this latest installation of the survey will provide data to help us continue understanding and supporting a sector that is so vital to the resiliency of regional food systems across America.”
The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the instability of the food supply chain that paired with larger social, political and labor changes have left a huge impact on the market for local and regional foods. Businesses are encouraged to participate in the 2025 National Food Hub Survey, to help tell the story of how organizations continue to adapt to this changing market and increased demand from the community for healthy, local food. When combined with the stories of other food hubs across the country, this survey becomes a powerful tool that shapes how resources are distributed by funders, investors and government decision makers.
The National Food Hub Survey is shorter than in previous years, but remains comprehensive. Participation in the survey is voluntary and all information will remain confidential.
Explore previous findings of the National Food Hub Survey: https://www.canr.msu.edu/national_food_hub_survey/resources
If you have any questions, please reach out to CRFS survey coordinator and Food & Farm Business Outreach Specialist, Sam Stokes, stokess4@msu.edu
About Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
The Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems advances regionally-rooted food systems through applied research, education, and outreach. We do this by uniting the knowledge and experience of diverse stakeholders with that of MSU faculty and staff. Our work fosters a thriving economy, equity, and sustainability for Michigan, the nation, and the planet by advancing systems that produce food that is healthy, green, fair, and affordable.
Learn more at foodsystems.msu.edu
