New Orleans used to have one of the largest public market systems in the U.S., with farmers routinely selling their produce directly to the consuming public. But public markets across the country have drastically declined in the past 50 years, giving way to supermarkets packed with mass-produced foods. Now a new metro area company called Jack and Jake's aims to revive a focus on fresh, local products by marketing and distributing local foods to stores and restaurants throughout the city.
Jack and Jakes picks up fresh produce from farms and delivers it to local buyers, making it easier for local growers to get their products into area markets, hospitals and schools. Everything that is picked is delivered on the same day.
The business is the brainchild of John Burns, who grew up on the Northshore surrounded by local growers and producers. As a restoration ecologist, he specialized in rebuilding damaged areas, but after Hurricane Katrina, Burns turned his attention to helping to rebuild the local food system.
"To rebuild the food system here was a real concern. I knew how to do that," Burns said.
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