Meat Suite makes it easy to shop locally at an affordable price

This article was written for our sponsor, NC Choices.

In today’s world, high gas prices, supply chain problems and periodic food item shortages have become increasingly common. In fact, grocery store food prices went up 10% from March 2021 to March 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As the year continues, food costs are expected to rise, with some meat prices predicted to rise by as much as 7%.

These prices have sent many scrambling for ways to save money, especially when it comes to buying meat. While bulk meat has long been available at wholesale prices, the problem has been that many consumers don’t know how or where to buy it.

This is where Meat Suite comes in.

“NC Choices, a program of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and NCSU Cooperative Extension, launched the program in partnership with Cornell University to help buyers connect with local farmers selling meat in bulk,” said retired North Carolina State University professor of animal science John Cornwell.

Cornwell served in several leadership positions at NCSU over the years, including as director of the Agricultural Institute and associate director of academic programs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His experience in education and the meat production industry has led to his endorsement of the Meat Suite program.

“There are several benefits to buying our beef in bulk, including affordability, quality, value, convenience and support of the local economy,” said Cornwell. “Purchasing bulk meat allows us to pay a wholesale price as opposed to the high — and rising — prices found in chain grocery stores.”

Meat Suite is an online platform where farms throughout the state can list their bulk meat products. Customers then choose from a selection of bulk bundles that feature an assortment of meat cuts. The bundles come in a variety of prices and sizes, allowing customers to choose a package that fits their budget and household needs.

“The convenience of always having meat in our freezer is a sure way to be prepared for busy work weeks, family gatherings and even hard times such as lockdowns and food shortages,” said Cornwell. “The meat is always there and ready to be prepared at a moment’s notice.”

Additionally, Meat Suite offers residents a chance to support local producers, keeping money in the local economy.

“Currently, a conglomerate of four large companies controls 85% of the meat distributed to American consumers,” said Cornwell. “This dangerous centralization of the food supply takes money, jobs and healthy food options away from local rural communities.”

The best way to resist this trend is by supporting local farmers and ranchers to keep resources circulating through the local economy. Additionally, buying locally means you have a better chance of knowing where and how your meat was raised, something Cornwell said has been important to his family.

“We place a high importance on knowing where our food comes from and that it is nutritious for our grandchildren,” said Cornwell. “Specifically, pasture-raised beef is high in protein and healthy fats that are needed for children’s growth and development.”

When an animal eats and digests plants, it passes those nutrients onto human consumers, said Cornwell.

“The animal has done the important work of digesting the plant for us while we get the benefit of receiving all the nutrition,” said Cornwell.

Meat Suite is available to consumers in New York and North Carolina. Website visitors can input their zip code and choose a radius to find nearby farms selling bulk packages of beef, chicken or pork. The search results show which farms are closest, what products they sell, and other information about the animals, such as whether they are grass-fed or pasture-raised.

“The meat is processed locally and has traveled a very short distance from farm to freezer,” said Cornwell. “We place a high value on local bulk meat because of this affordability and high quality.”

This article was written for our sponsor, NC Choices.