At a time when our economy is weak, salmonella outbreaks are common, farmers are disappearing, and climate change threatens, it is more necessary than ever to critically examine our food system. The United States agricultural system has gradually evolved away from the celebrated system of sustenance envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, who believed, “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens."

Today, farmers rarely enjoy a profit, are disconnected from the people eating their food, and have no easy means to support or learn from one another.

Additionally, consumers eager to eat fresh and healthy food are not sure where to turn, and retailers committed to sourcing locally face an upward battle finding producers and encouraging people to consider the value of food beyond its cost.

Many of these problems stem from difficulties participants face connecting and sharing information throughout the food supply chain, and systems built to address these issues focus only on a small section of this exchange.

We hope to address these problems via Squash & Vine.