A Vanderbilt University grad with a passion for boosting the local food economy has launched a business to deliver goods from Nashville farms, bakeries and artisans straight to consumers.
In its second month since the website launched, The Local Collaborative is now working with about 35 local producers. The business offers a curated selection of produce, prepared foods, baked goods and artisanal products.
“You get something that’s literally been baked or butchered or picked specifically for you,” said Ashley Schuering, co-founder of The Local Collaborative with Steven Klein
Items available for delivery range from locally grown kale to Mitchell Deli roast beef and Chubby Bunny baby food. Baked goods, including a Momma Nik’s cheesecake and banana muffins from Slow Hand Coffee & Bakery, also are made to order and delivered.
The business is like an online farmers market but with a more limited selection.
“Somebody can go (on the website) and create their own CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) essentially. You can go and get exactly the fruits and vegetables you want if they’re in season, plus prepared foods. So it’s like browsing the store aisles when you go to the grocery store (but with all local products),” Schuering said.
The idea for The Local Collaborative was born out of Schuering’s desire to support local farmers. She’s worked in the restaurant industry for nearly 15 years and said she’s noticed how difficult it can be for farmers to successfully operate a business.
“The idea was actually to really support local farmers just because so many of the people that feed us on a day-to-day basis are in debt up to their ears. They don’t get paid well, and because they spend all their time farming, they don’t have time necessarily to invest in actually running a business and being profitable from it,” Schuering said.
Schuering, who attended Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management, said the business is still in its infancy and it will evolve. She’s looking into partnering with a local grocery store for delivery.
The concept of on-demand delivery services is not new to Nashville. Services such as Shipt and Postmates deliver groceries and takeout food from restaurants. (continue reading at Tennessean)