Introducing the new cohort of Good Food Accelerator fellows

From farmer training workshops to conferences that coalesce like-minded innovators, brands and advocates, the Chicago-based organization FamilyFarmed tackles pressing issues within the food system from multiple angles. Dedicated to expanding the production and distribution of local and responsibly produced food, since 2014 FamilyFarmed has spearheaded Good Food Accelerator, a six-month program designed to build conscious food businesses through mentorship, strategic development and investor relations. The accelerator seems to work. The organization says that graduates of their first cohort averaged a 62 percent increase in sales; the second group of fellows reported a 239 percent market increase for their business in the months after graduation.

FamilyFarmed recently announced the 2017-2018 fellows, a lucky group of sterling natural food and beverage entrepreneurs that you should know. Flip through this gallery to learn more about the exciting companies solving some of country’s important food issues, including food access, low-sugar options and more.