Harvesting Solutions. Cultivating Hope.
Strengthening local food systems through bold logistics, mission-driven consulting, and hands-on education.
Red Root Collaborative isn’t your typical consultancy — it’s a catalyst for change, powered by one woman with deep roots in the local food movement.
I roll up my sleeves to connect farms, food hubs, and institutions through hands-on solutions that move food with purpose. My work empowers communities to source locally, cut waste, and nourish more people with dignity, equity, and impact.
“I am here for the growers, the changemakers, the chefs, the mission-driven food buyers — and everyone in between.”
Grow Stronger Food Systems — One Local Connection at a Time
Start with your roots
Local food systems are complex — but they don't have to be confusing.
We help you assess your current setup, identify opportunities, and start from where you are.
Turn vision into strategy
Big ideas deserve real-world traction.
Whether it’s logistics, procurement, or partnership-building, we translate mission into movement.
Streamline the way food moves
From the farm to the table — and everywhere in between.
Red Root builds efficient, sustainable systems to help local food travel smarter, not harder.
Grow. Connect. Deliver
We don’t just connect buyers and producers — we create lasting impact.
Through education, toolkits, and one-on-one support, we grow networks rooted in trust and shared values.
Let’s Build Local Together
Whether you're just starting out or navigating complex institutional food systems, Red Root Collaborative offers real support — with pricing that flexes to fit your size, scope, and mission.
Hi, I’m Melissa — and yes, it’s just me behind Red Root Collaborative. That means you get direct access, customized support, and a partner who actually understands the hustle behind building strong local food systems. I believe good food systems should be accessible — not intimidating or overpriced.
Pricing Overview
Starter Session
Free
One-time 30–60 min session
Perfect for scoping a challenge or mapping next steps
Full Support Plan
Custom Quote
Deep dive + wraparound support including training, toolkits, and fieldwork
Ad Hoc/Sliding Scale
Let’s Talk
Tailored for nonprofits, startups, small farms, or large projects with unique needs
Our Core Services
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Create affordable custom local food procurement goals and sustainable strategies to reach goals and save on budget. Local procurement product searching and business relationship building. Help with target marketing and grassroot initiatives.
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Supports small farms & producers in scaling operations and selling to institutional markets through marketing, logistics assistance, and funding access. Develops toolkits to prepare new and small businesses for wholesale and retail sales, including marketing and sales coaching. Trains businesses to act as their own brokers to ensure fair market participation.
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For any business applying for private or federal grants. Focused on securing funding for local food initiatives and advocating for policies that support local food systems.
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Perfect for quick wins or one-time challenges
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Whether you’re hosting a group of students or a room full of donors, we will help create an immersive, hands-on experience that brings the local food system to life.
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Your staff will leave feeling empowered to source and serve local food with clarity, creativity and care.
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We offer free discovery calls to talk through your goals and create a proposal that works for your budget and mission.
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If cost is a barrier - tell me. We’ll find a way!
Where Mission Meets Movement
Real Results. Rooted in Relationships. Powered by Purpose.
In 18 Short Months at a Local Vegetable Processor
Drove over 230% growth in sales.
Increased product volume by more than 256%.
140,000+ lbs. of byproducts upcycled through processor partnerships
New local and broadline distributors onboarded — expanding regional access and driving a 169% increase in market reach to every NE state.
Improved cold storage and logistics to significantly reduce costs
Led campaigns that engaged 100+ school districts and promoted regional producers
Created toolkits and training materials that are used by school nutrition staff and food producers across NE
Supported institutions in navigating state/federal funding to buy local
Backed by Nearly a Decade of Proven Results at a Local Distributor
Increased school sales 85% in 2 years
Built relationships with DOE, USDA, Sodexo, Aramark, and FoodBuy
Directed procurement strategy, reduced costs by 8%, and negotiated/managed government contracts
Planned two major food shows generating 500+ leads and 200 new customers
❤️ A One-Woman Mission with Regional Impact
Red Root Collaborative isn’t just consulting — it’s action.
From the cafeteria to the Capitol, I work alongside communities to build stronger local food systems that nourish, empower, and last.
Featured Project Spotlight
Innovative, scalable, and rooted in real relationships.
Expanding Institutional Halal Access
Partnering with Five Pillars Butchery to bring regionally raised halal meat into schools, hospitals, and other anchor institutions.
Toolkits for Farm to Institute Success
Rolling out easy-to-use toolkits that help schools launch local procurement programs and confidently purchase from nearby farms.
Shared Logistics for Maine Farms
Launching a multi-farm logistics collaboration with five local businesses and farms to cut freight costs and move local food farther.
Scaling Wild Blueberries with Maine Blueberry Farmers
Working with 45+ Maine blueberry farmers to increase market access and develop new pack sizes for institutional buyers across New England.
Utility Potatoes to Boston Public Schools
Supporting Boston Public Schools in the procurement of 800,000 lbs. of local utility potatoes from Green Thumbs Farm — keeping good food out of waste and in school meals.
Let’s Cultivate Something Together
Whether you’re a farmer, buyer, policymaker, or food lover — I want to hear from you