The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s HealthierU program is connecting staff with fresh local food through a partnership with Robinette Farms and the 2026 Mayor’s Local Food Challenge.
Annalisa Davenport, the associate director of HealthierU, and Chloe Diegel from Robinette Farms are hosting a webinar at 2 p.m. on May 28. They’ll share Robinette Farms’ journey in local produce box programs and guide participants on how to sign up. You can find more details and register for the webinar on the HealthierU webpage.
Starting May 29, staff can pick up Robinette Farms’ food boxes at the City Campus Recreation Center. These boxes will contain locally grown produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and other products from Nebraska-based farmers. The first pickup is scheduled for June 4 from 3-5 p.m.
The subscription has no membership fee but requires a minimum purchase of $35. You can customize your weekly orders, skip them, or adjust based on what you like and your schedule.
Robinette Farms, a family-owned farm in Nebraska, collaborates with over 30 local farmers to provide these customizable boxes. You can choose from organic vegetables, bread, coffee, meats, and pantry essentials.
HealthierU supports employee wellness by making fresh food more accessible and fostering community ties. This initiative not only improves employee health but also strengthens the local economy by helping Nebraska farmers thrive.
According to a recent survey by the USDA, local food initiatives like this are on the rise, with a 14% increase in farmers’ markets over the past year. This reflects a growing trend where more people seek to support local agriculture, significantly benefiting local economies and promoting sustainable practices.
As consumer interest in locally sourced food grows, programs like HealthierU and Robinette Farms play a crucial role in reshaping how we access and think about our food. Making fresh, wholesome options available helps everyone—both consumers and producers—thrive.
