Here at the Local Producer Loan Program, we interact with mission-driven companies working to change the way the world eats. These are some of the brightest social entrepreneurs in the country with relentless passion for environmental stewardship, socially conscious business practices and community connections.

During the first week of March, I attended the largest trade show for all things related to natural, organic and healthy products. With over 60,000 attendees and more than 3,000 companies displaying the newest products and innovations, the Natural Products Expo West Conference in Anaheim, California, is a smorgasbord of tasty treats, healthy bites and cutting-edge trends on the grocery horizon.

Love local? So do we! Our Local Producer Loan Program helps farmers, ranchers and food artisans grow their businesses and bring hundreds of local products into our stores. Enter our giveaway to try some for yourself.

Once the weather starts getting colder here in Austin — and by cold, I mean 60 degrees — nothing makes me feel as seasonally appropriate as a mug full of Chai tea. Warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom are just about all I need to channel Rosemary Clooney while living in such a warm locale.

Honey bees are often the unsung hero of the food world. Through pollination they are responsible for a third of the food we eat. Yet bee colonies in the US are declining at rapid rates – 30% a year!

Originating in Indonesia, tempeh (say, “TEM-pay”) is traditionally made through a natural culturing and incubation process that binds soybeans together in a cake form. It’s become increasingly popular in the US over the last several years. 

Kristy and Coulter Lewis developed a “Pure Pop” bag made from recycled and compostable paper for their mom and pop popcorn business. Learn about other upgrades to their microwave snack.

Have you heard? Thompson Farms has achieved a 5+ rating through the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating System!

Our local forager in the Pacific Northwest, Denise Breyley, shares the story behind Firefly Kitchens’ naturally fermented foods and how their Local Producer Loan helps grow their business.

Two moms from Asheville, NC shared a common interest in brewing kombucha. They combined their talents and Buchi was born. Learn more about this Local Producer Loan recipient.