It was in 2009 that the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) came together and officially identified a need for comprehensive local food initiatives in Greater Boston. SBN’s goal is to create a small, but remarkable, 10% shift in our eating habits. Currently only 5% of foods consumed in Massachusetts are local. By increasing affordability and accessibility to local products and by connecting “eaters” to local farmers, producers and local minded restaurants, this is achievable. Through educational outreach and community programs to public events, such as this year’s 3rd Annual Boston Local Food Festival, the message is spreading.
The Boston Local Food Festival has steadily grown in the three years since its inception. In 2010, it attracted almost 30k residents along a small stretch of the Boston Waterfront in Fort Point Channel. In 2011, it increased its footprint and achieved an 85% Zero-Waste event. On Sunday, October 7th, 2012, the Festival, after two fruitful years in Fort Point, is moving to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Thanks to increased media attention, the Greenway’s high visibility, assistance of generous sponsors like Yelp, and Mayor Menino’s continuing support, the 2012 festival expects to educate over 40k attendees on why local is better.
I spoke with Damien Smith, Yelp’s Boston Marketing Director, about the local food movement, how “Local” inspires Yelp’s goals & community partnerships and why Yelp is passionate about sponsoring events such as the Boston Local Food Festival (BLFF).
“Yelp as a whole is all about local: from eating local to supporting locally owned businesses to bringing together a community of like-minded locals both online and off,” Damien said. “Yelp’s thrilled to be a part of this year’s BLFF and to have the opportunity to support such a great event featuring local foods! Yelp’s community is built on public involvement. From partnering with outstanding missions like BLFF to conducting large-scale marketing promotions like Yelp Helps, we aim to link curious locals to the spots that offer what they’re looking for.”
Curious how he sees Yelp playing into this growth, he responded that, “Yelp plays in the same way we always have: by connecting people to great local businesses via Yelp.com and our killer mobile app.”
The Boston Local Food Festival appreciates the continued support of Yelp, who were also a part of the 2011 Festival and I would like to thank Damien for speaking with me.
So, what do Damien and the other 40k+ attendees have to look forward to? I can’t give away all the secrets just yet, but I will tell you to bring your appetite.
Put this in your calendar, grab your stainless water bottle and join Damien (& his banana) and 40k neighbors at the Boston Local Food Festival on Sunday, October 7th, 2012, from 11AM to 5PM at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. If you’re a Locavore &/or Foodie who’s looking to make new friends, this is THE event. Be sure to check-in to the festival from the free Yelp app!
This post was written by Michele Martin of Table of Two, go check her out!