When we pick up a meal from a restaurant, we don't often think about where our food comes from. But we should.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that up to 40% of the food in the U.S. supply chain goes to waste each year, partly because of excess resources used and damages that occur during the transportation process.

This is why ReKaivery, a Northern Colorado non-profit, recognizes the importance of sourcing food locally.

Named after 'recovery' and 'kai,' the Māori word for food, the organization has created an online platform where farmers can market their produce to local kitchens and kitchens can purchase produce from local farmers.

"We're really encouraging those local food networks...so that we can help our local farmers and help reduce those resources that are being used to transport the food," said Natasha Lloyd, co-founder of ReKaivery, in our "Tuned In to NoCo" interview. "What's been really beautiful is the relationships we've built. It's so exciting to see how many people are passionate about this."

Local suppliers and buyers can register with ReKaivery here. Once registered, farmers will be able to list their produce online, and kitchens will be notified as local food becomes available.

The organization also manages and performs all deliveries between farmers and kitchens, reducing the transportation footprint even further.

For those who are not in these professions but are still interested in reducing food waste, Lloyd recommends patronizing restaurants that are already committed to sourcing locally.

"The opportunity is there to support establishments who are choosing to make those more environmentally-friendly decisions," said Lloyd. "That is a great step for any consumer...because we are then encouraging those good habits, which then encourages more restaurants or other kitchens to buy locally."

ReKaivery is also open to anyone who would like to help contribute to their mission. You can sign up to volunteer or donate here.

Learn more about ReKaivery and their online platform by listening to the full "Tuned In to NoCo" interview with Natasha Lloyd below.

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