The Local Food Chain

WCAI’s Local Food Chain is made up of farmers and businesses committed to sustainable farming and local food initiatives throughout the Cape, Islands and Southcoast. At WCAI, we believe that a vibrant local food community is essential for preserving our region’s economic independence, for fostering the physical wellbeing of our citizens, and for preserving a lifestyle and set of values that defines our community’s unique relationship with the natural world.

The Local Food Chain makes possible The Local Food Report with Elspeth Hay, which airs Thursday morning at 7:30 and afternoon at 4:30, and Saturday morning at 9:45.

Find out more by about the Local Food Chain by email

Annye's Whole Foods
At Annye's Whole Foods on Nantucket, the goal is to help keep you hale and hearty. Annye's stocks the best in organic and whole foods groceries, including poultry, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, and wines from Italy, France, and California. The professional supplements manager has chosen the most effective and up-to-date supplements, as well as skin care products to soothe and energize both young and experienced skins. If you like to cook from scratch, Annye's carries bulk spices, herbs, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. When you're seeking convenience, select from hundreds of healthy frozen foods, which include many vegan alternatives, and foods for our wheat-and-gluten-sensitive customers. If you're traveling to the island, call at 508-228-4554 or email to special order your favorite and required foods. We're happy to stock your pantry and refrigerator for your arrival. With plenty of parking, Annye's is on Amelia Drive.

Bartlett's Farm on Nantucket
Bartlett's Farm is Nantucket Island's oldest and largest family-owned farm. The Bartlett Family has been farming the same land since arriving on Nantucket in the early 1800's. These days, the farm offers much more than our famous corn and tomatoes. With 10 greenhouses certified organic, greens are harvested daily. The staff in our commercial kitchen creates delicious food to go for every meal, every day, and offers a monthly farm dinner. The garden center has the finest plants and accessories for your home and flower or vegetable garden all year.

Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association
The Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen’s Association is a nationally recognized, non-profit organization that works to develop and implement creative solutions that promote healthy marine ecosystems, strong fishing businesses and thriving coastal communities. It is taking action now to make sure there are fish and fishermen for future generations.

CCCHFA is the largest commercial fishing group on Cape Cod, working with over 120 independent fishing businesses and more than 300 local fishing families. In the 2010-2011 fishing season, these fishermen brought to market more than 2.2 million pounds of groundfish such as cod, haddock, flounder and pollock, 77,000 pounds of sea scallops and 225,000 pounds of lobsters, among other important Cape Cod seafood.

Coonamessett Farm
Coonamessett Farm of Hatchville Road, Falmouth, sustainably raises and researches good food at the Farm and at sea. Come visit and see where real food comes from. Taste the huge difference freshness makes when you pick your own vegetables and berries or enjoy a meal overlooking the Farm's rolling fields. Come see the alpacas, donkeys, sheep, chickens, ducks, guinea hens and more. Visit the Farm store for foods and gifts, including our own eggs and beautiful, warm and soft alpaca clothing. Find Coonamessett Farm greens and Sippewissett Oysters at the Farm or in a local restaurant or store. Find out more at the website or by calling 508-563-2560. Thank you for supporting a rare farm in your community.

Edible Cape Cod
Edible Cape Cod helps readers discover the simple pleasure that comes from eating fresh foods cultivated by people who care about our local food systems. Our magazine and website feature compelling stories about and recipes from farmers, fishermen, chefs and food artisans. With its emphasis on sustainable agriculture, small family farmers, and amazing artisanal food products, Edible Cape Cod is an earth-friendly guide to great eating.

The Farm Institute
The nonprofit Farm Institute practices and teaches about sustainable agriculture on the beautiful 200 acre grassland Katama Farm on Martha’s Vineyard. Education and farming are inseparable at the Farm Institute. Livestock—including chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep and cattle—and outdoor and greenhouse gardens provide the hands-on curriculum for learners of all ages. Over 1000 children attend summer camp at The Farm. Other programs include parent-child events cooking classes for adults, residential programs and volunteer opportunities for all.

The results of the Farm’s mission are delicious. Produce, eggs, grassfed beef and lamb, and pasture raised poultry and pork are available year-round at The Farm, at the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market in the summer and at the Falmouth Winter Farmer’s market.

Sustainable Nantucket
Sustainable Nantucket is cultivating a healthy Nantucket by building a more locally-based and self-reliant food system on-island, and a strong local economy. These efforts include expanding agricultural production; increasing access to local food for the community; and educating our community about sustainability. SN’s Programs include the Farmers & Artisans Market, Farm to School Program, and our Community Agriculture Program, which includes our Nantucket Grown brand & campaign, and the fledgling Community Farm Institute and Pilot Grazing Project. Other efforts include workshops, Locally Grown Dinner Series and our Film Series co-sponsored with the Nantucket Atheneum.

Truro Vineyards
Truro Vineyards open their doors each season to wine lovers from around the world and invite you to join them. Truro Vineyards is first and foremost a family business. They are hands-on owners. You won’t find a day that at least one member of the family is not doing a wine tasting, working in the gift shop, working in the fields or being a part of the wine making process. Enjoy a wine tasting in the vineyard under the new pavilion. Sit and relax while they explain the nuances of their wine and walk you through the selections, explaining the air of maritime grape growing and producing wines with intense flavor and lush varietal character. From Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend they offer free guided tours of the vineyard and winery, including their new state-of-the-art barrel room. Afterwards you can picnic on their beautiful grounds or browse through their gift shop where you’ll find an eclectic selection of wine accessories, gifts, works by local artists and gourmet food products.