Why US-Grown Mealworms Matter

The 99% Problem

Did you know that over 99% of the dried mealworms sold in the United States are imported?

It's a staggering statistic that we discovered when we dug into import data. While the vast majority of live mealworms for pets are raised domestically, the dried mealworms that feed our nation's backyard chickens and wild birds are almost entirely shipped from overseas, primarily from China.

We believe there's a better way. Choosing US-grown isn't just about patriotism; it's a choice for a more sustainable, transparent, and local food & feed system. Here’s why it matters.

Building a Local, Sustainable Food & Feed System

We're not just growing insects; we're practicing resource recovery. Our mission is to create a circular economy, transforming local "waste" streams into higher-value, nutritious pet treats and plant food.

Bread Recovery: We are the last stop for surplus bread that can no longer be sold or donated to people. Instead of heading to a landfill or compost heap, it becomes a high-energy food source for our mealworms.
Upcycled Grains: We feed our insects wheat bran, a nutritious co-product from the local milling process that is often undervalued. The vast majority of wheat bran goes to feed animals today.
Essential Hydration: We use wholesale potatoes to provide the essential hydration our mealworms need to thrive. We've experimented with apple pomace, agar, vegetable trimmings, and a few other items looking for something other than food-grade veggies.

A Lighter Environmental Footprint

Why does it make sense to ship millions of pounds of product across the Pacific Ocean when we can produce it right here?

Fewer Food Miles: Growing, drying, and shipping from our farm in Oregon drastically cuts down on the fossil fuels and waste associated with a global supply chain.
Cleaner Energy: We’re proud that the electricity we use to run our Oregon facility comes from 100% renewable sources. This is a powerful contrast to the energy mix in many major export regions, which can rely on over 60% fossil fuels to power their operations. Unfortunately, we do rely on natural gas for heating, which we hope to transition to electric at some point in the future.

Unmatched Quality, Safety, and Trust

When you buy American-grown, you are buying peace of mind.

Strict US Oversight: Our farm operates under the full protection and oversight of US regulations, including the USDA, FDA, OSHA, the EPA, and other federal, state, and local regulators. These standards govern everything from food safety to worker protections and environmental law.
Industry Best Practices: We are members of the North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture (NACIA) and follow the best practices developed in collaboration with the USDA-ARS.
Full Traceability: We know exactly what goes into our mealworms and where it came from. We can trace every batch from feedstock to final product—a level of transparency that is nearly impossible in a complex global supply chain. Rest assured that there are no plastics, animal products, or other unexpected “junk” fed to our mealworms.

Growing an American Industry

Right now, we’re a small, dedicated team. But we're building a model for the future. Our vision is to build a network of independent, small-scale farmers across the country. We want to create hundreds, and one day thousands, of new jobs, giving farmers a stable way to supplement their income or build a new business from the ground up. This is about American ingenuity. It’s about taking on a challenge, supporting small businesses, and building a secure, domestic supply of a beloved pet treat.

Co-Founder Brenden Campbell selling dried mealworms and frassilizer fertilizer at the Eugene Saturday Market

Ready to Support a US-Grown Future?

Join us in building a better, more sustainable food system. Shop our 100% US-grown mealworms.