This report is part of a multi-volume technical report series entitled Running a Food Hub, with this guide serving as a companion piece to other United

States Department of Agriculture reports by providing in depth guidance on starting and running a food hub

enterprise. In order to compile the most current information on best management and operations practices, the authors used published information on food hubs, surveyed numerous operating food hubs, and pulled from their existing experience and knowledge of working directly

with food hubs across the country as an agricultural business consulting firm.

 

The report’s main focus is on the operational issues faced by food hubs, including choosing an organizational structure, choosing a location, deciding

on infrastructure and equipment, logistics and transportation, human resources, and risks. As such, the guide explores the different decision points associated

with the organizational steps for starting and implementing a food hub. For some sections, sidebars provide “decision points,” which food hub managers will

need to address to make key operational decisions.