Dakota Rural Action (DRA) has released the 2026-2027 Local Foods Directory, connecting South Dakota consumers with food producers around 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.
“McCrory Gardens has been handing out directories at our events, and visitors can’t believe the directories are free, let alone how many local options there are! I’m proud that McCrory Gardens can be a place where people can pick up such information-filled resources,” said Lisa Marotz, Director of McCrory Gardens in Brookings.
Since 2003, this 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.
Timothy Meagher, COO of Vanguard Hospitality in Sioux Falls, uses the directory to source local foods for his restaurants. “Great hospitality starts long before a guest walks through the door. It starts with the soil, the farmer, and the relationships that bring good food to the table. The shortest distance between a farmer and a table isn’t just better for the food — it’s an investment in our neighbors, our land, and the strength of our whole community,” he said. “The directory helps our restaurants source quality, local food to serve, plus having directories available for our customers to grab when they leave our restaurants encourages them to keep supporting local at home.”
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 to out-of-state corporations.
Shoppers can find a list of distribution locations, and the online, searchable directory under the “Resources” tab at www.daktotarural.org. For more information, email action@dakotarural.org.