How to use this Toolkit:
Each section offers practical guidance and tools.
You can dip into individual sections as needed or work through the toolkit.
©2025 Hinterland CLG
P001 → From idea to action
Every local food project starts with a spark - an idea, need, or conversation. Developing it into a short supply chain requires small, steady steps. You can begin by clarifying your vision, building partnerships, and leveraging the strengths of your existing community.
Five-Step Pathway
Vision – Define what you want to change or create.
Plan – Sketch your supply chain: products, customers, routes.
Partners – Identify who shares your goals: growers, chefs, markets, or community groups.
Launch – Start small, learn fast, communicate openly.
Review – Reflect, adapt, and refine after each season or event.
Prompt:
“What’s your next step?”
Write down one concrete action you can take this month to bring your local food idea closer to reality.
Build your network - Collaboration and shared assets
No one farms, cooks, or sells food alone. Networks connect producers, processors, retailers, and communities, helping each part of the system stay resilient when others face challenges. By working together, local actors can share knowledge, pool resources, and strengthen the visibility of regional food.
Why collaboration matters
• Shared resources and tools
• Collective marketing and events
• Knowledge exchange and mentoring
• Stronger voice in local policy and planning
Collaboration can look like shared delivery vans, joint pop-up markets, cooperative storage, or cross-promotion among producers.
Tools