Understanding how we measure local food availability in your area
The Food Score is a simple number (0-100) that shows how well your area is served by local farms, markets, and food producers. Think of it as a "local food report card" for your neighborhood.
Few local food sources available
Decent variety of local options
Rich local food community
We look at the variety and availability of local food sources within about 5 miles (8km) of any location:
Vegetable farms, fruit orchards, dairy operations, meat producers, and specialty food makers
Farmers markets, farm stands, local food stores, and restaurants using local ingredients
Diversity of food types available locally - from fresh produce to dairy, meat, and prepared foods
How well-connected and supported the local food system is in your area
Fresher, more nutritious food: Local food travels less distance and is often harvested at peak ripeness
Supporting your community: Money spent locally helps your neighbors and strengthens the local economy
Environmental benefits: Less transportation means lower carbon footprint and better for the planet
Food security: Areas with higher scores are more resilient during supply chain disruptions
This score is evolving: We're constantly improving how we calculate the Food Score based on community feedback and new research.
Low scores might mean missing data: If your area has a low score, it might be because we don't know about all the local food sources yet. You can help us fix this!
Seasonal changes: Scores may vary throughout the year as different farms and markets become active.
Know of a local farm, market, or food producer that's not on our map? Help us build a more complete picture of your local food community.
Curious about the exact algorithm, nutrient mapping, and mathematical calculations? We've created a detailed breakdown for the technically minded.
📊 Deep Dive: Algorithm & Science