Building a More Resilient Food System in New Hampshire

UNH researchers seek to foster the growth of regional food production and sales

Analena Bruce's research offers insights for creating stronger regional food systems in the Northeast. 

Did you know that only about 3% of the food consumed in New Hampshire is actually produced in the state?

That startling statistic underscores a growing concern—and a growing opportunity—for the Granite State’s food system.

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) are digging into this issue with a new set of research briefs focused on how to strengthen local food networks like farmers’ markets and food co-ops. Their findings? Supporting small and mid-sized farms isn’t just about growing more food—it’s about understanding why people choose the food they do, and what’s standing in the way of choosing local.

Led by Dr. Analena Bruce and her team at the UNH Food Systems Lab, the project draws from a survey of over 2,000 New Englanders and 35 in-depth interviews with New Hampshire residents. The research explores everything from shopping habits and food priorities to affordability challenges and perceptions of local food outlets.

Among the top takeaways:

• Taste, health, and quality matter—but so do affordability and value.

• Many people want to support local farmers—but only if it fits their budget.

• Better engagement strategies are needed to connect consumers to local food sources.

The briefs, including “What Do New Englanders Prioritize When Purchasing Food?” and “Where Do New Englanders Buy Local Farm Food and How Often?”, provide actionable insights for farmers, institutions, community planners, and consumers. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more resilient, equitable food system that can weather future disruptions and better serve New Hampshire’s communities.

This research also helped shape the New Hampshire Food Alliance’s 2025 Strategic Plan, a bold roadmap featuring 140 recommendations for strengthening agriculture and food access across the state.

As Bruce notes, “We welcome feedback from anyone involved with the food system or who simply cares about where their food comes from.”

Explore the full article and access the research briefs here: https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2025/07/building-more-resilient-food-system-new-hampshire