Food is an integral part of every person's day. The food we eat requires many resources from water, land and energy for production as well as transportation to your table. From farms and gardens to our tables, MCC is working to teach and implement local, healthy and flavorful food production and preparation with low environmental impacts.

What Is MCC Doing?

• MCC's Horticulture and Culinary Arts programs are partnering in joint curriculum to teach students the food cycle through growing, preparing, eating and composting food waste.
• MCC's Institute for Culinary Arts works with local farmers and community gardens to purchase local produce for use in their classes.
• The Horticulture and Culinary programs are working within the community by sharing their knowledge at local community gardens and farmers' markets.
• Throughout the Institute for Culinary Arts, MCC teaches and practices minimal waste and the importance of fresh, local food.
• On-campus composting will reduce food waste going to landfills and provide vital nutrients for Horticulture's food gardens.

What Can You Do?

• Support (or start) a community garden in your neighborhood.
• Support (or start) a farmers market near you (www.localharvest.org).
• Grow your own food in your yard or at a community garden.
• Know your farmer.
• Avoid disposable paper and plastic food packaging by buying in bulk or through a food cooperative.

Resources

• Nebraska Food Cooperative
  The freshness and flavor of local food will make your taste buds tingle. Nebraska farmers, gardeners and craftspeople come together through this cooperative to offer you the best of the best. Buying local helps your own community grow stronger along with your health and pocketbook. For more information, visit www.nebraskafood.org.
• Omaha Farmers´ Market
  Every Saturday from May through mid-October, thousands of shoppers visit Omaha's Farmers' Market for fresh produce, smoked meats, freshly cut flowers, locally canned jams, gourmet baked goods and much, much more. Support local business and visit the Farmers' Market at 11th and Jackson. For more information and a list of vendors, visit www.omahafarmersmarket.com.