Dakota Rural Action has released the 2025 Local Foods Directory, connecting South Dakota consumers with food producers in their area of the state. The free publication highlighting producers who grow and sell their products direct-to-consumer is distributed around the state to retailers and farmers markets, and is also available online in a searchable format.
“I hand out the South Dakota Local Foods Directory at every farmers market I attend—not just because I’m in it, but because it helps people find real food from real people. Many people are looking for local food and this helps make the connection to producers,” said Jamie Boley, a Parker area producer who raises and sells pasture raised chicken.
Since 2003, the directory has helped connect consumers with South Dakota farmers and ranchers who sell direct, either off the farm or through farmers markets and local retailers. It aims to make buying local easier and thus supports these producers and businesses, who all add to our local economies.
“The Local Foods Directory is an incredible tool for connecting growers, producers, retailers, and eaters. It helps customers find food that reflects their values—whether that’s supporting local farms, eating more sustainably, or simply enjoying the freshest options available. For producers, it opens the door to new markets. And for retailers like us, it strengthens the local food system by making it more visible and accessible,” said Erin Bender, marketing manager at Breadroot Natural Foods Co-op in Rapid City.
From meat and eggs to vegetables, dairy, and specialty items, people can find many common grocery items produced right here in South Dakota. By buying direct, or through a co-op, more grocery dollars are retained in state and contribute to the local economy rather than flowing out-of-state to corporations.
Timothy Meagher, COO of Vanguard Hospitality in Sioux Falls, uses the directory to source local foods for his restaurants. “The Local Foods Directory has proven to be a valuable resource for us to source foods from South Dakota farmers for our restaurants. Buying locally enables us to have the freshest ingredients possible, but it can be hard to get started if you don’t know who is growing what, and the directory provides that information.”
Shoppers can find a list of distribution locations, and the online directory here.