FARE Idaho is promoting better connections between farmers, restaurants and consumers through new online proposal requests and a member platform.

“We don’t want to come in and take the place of systems already working,” executive director Tammie Halcomb said. “I see us providing tools to augment systems already in place.”

The nonprofit trade association, officially the Idaho Independent Food, Agriculture, Restaurant and Beverage Establishment Alliance, was formed in 2020. Individual members total about 540.

“Membership is growing, and events are growing and strengthening,” said Halcomb, who succeeded co-founder Katie Baker in May. “I stepped into a really well-oiled machine, and it’s fun growing it from the inside out.”

Founded amid pandemic-era needs, FARE aims to help food system participants tap resources, and connect with each other.

Consumers “are paying attention to not only where food comes from, but where their dollar ends up,” Halcomb said.

Restaurant operators now can request proposals from producers at fareidaho.org/rfp. The operators state what they need — from produce to proteins to specialty items — including quantity and delivery frequency. The restaurant operator then makes arrangements directly with responding producers.

Ideally, restaurants get the food they need and smaller producers get more access to the market, Halcomb said.

Through FARE’s new partnership with RekoHub.com, orders through an online platform are packed for delivery at a designated place and time. A goal is “more everyday consumers being able to have access to food that’s grown in their communities,” she said. The effort centers on “community, and fostering community growth and connections.”

Another new platform enables FARE members to communicate in an online forum. Members can mention their own events and needs, post coupon codes and interact.

“It’s just going to bridge that communication gap,” Halcomb said. “You know you are talking to an Idaho-based business.”

The organization has also started a partnership with a southwest Idaho podcast, “The Ranch.” Food preparation and the food system are emphasized. The first installment likely will be in early November, she said.

The podcast “will help elevate all players, from producers and processors to chefs, restaurants, etc.,” Halcomb said.