Welcome
Welcome to MAfoodtrader.org!
…we have neglected to understand that we cannot be free if our food and its sources are controlled by someone else.
Over the past several years websites like eBay and Craigslist have shifted the way we interact around transactions for goods and services. While the exchange itself may still take place in-person, the way in which we locate and discover what is available has changed dramatically.
Recently a few websites have come into existence around the trade of local food. That may be linked to the rising demand for local food products (the “eat local” movement). Some of these websites are targeted toward rural producers and consumers (mefoodtrader.org), while others are more urban (portlandfoodexchange.com). What they have in common is the potential to connect consumers or producers with each other and create a thriving local food economy.
Do you do Tai Chi behind your garden trellis too?
We believe greater Boston is ready for this kind of trading community.
MAfoodtrader.org initially will work to generate a strong base of support within the communities of Somerville, Cambridge and Arlington. Not only are the founding participants members of these communities, but also the communities themselves are trending toward acceptance and promotion of locally- and regionally-produced food. The popularity of trading events and farmers’ markets; the proliferation of locally-manufactured foods; the increasing number of restaurants providing local food; and even the establishment of a community kitchen all indicate a trend toward a strengthening local food economy in these communities. Missing from the current ecosystem is an online hub dedicated to the act of trading food.
MAfoodtrader.org was born out of our own experiences in CSA membership (vegetable, meat and grain), urban gardening (both in community and private spaces) and home cooking, as well as a desire to promote local food systems. We want to connect urban food consumers and producers in the greater Boston area in new ways. This is not a website solely for “foodies” nor is it a site just for “urban homesteaders” (can we even use that phrase?). This is a website for neighbors who live in communities and it’s here to foster interaction among them around the food they produce and consume. We might learn something in the process.
On this website you will find opportunities posted by people just like you who have food products or services available for trade.
In order to begin making offers, you must sign up (totally free) on the Login/Register page. Beyond that, you can read a summary of how to use the site.
There are a few rules for listing and exchanging goods through this website. You should read them.
You might want to sign up for our weekly newsletter. It will keep you informed on a weekly basis about new opportunities posted to the website. You always have the opportunity to unsubscribe if that gets annoying.
You will probably think of more ways this site could be used. If you do, please do not hesitate to let us know.
