Mini farmers markets bring healthy food to low-income neighborhoods

 

(Courtesy of the United Way of Summit County)

 

United Way donor investments are supporting mini-farmers markets in low-income “food desert” neighborhoods. Here, residents can use their SNAP and EBT benefits (food stamps) to purchase all foods for sale. They can also receive “Carrot Cash,” a dollar-for-dollar match of their food stamps to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Residents are being trained to expand markets into their own neighborhoods and nutrition education programs will be offered through nearby after school programs.

Countryside Conservancy Connects Local Farmers and Consumers Year-Round – 2013-06-07

By: Katie Sobiech

Eat local. Shop local. Think local.

This new “craze” has been building across our nation, and area, for good reasons; the obvious being it helping build up local economies, supporting local businesses, and providing healthier, fresher food options.

The Countryside Conservancy (CC), a non-profit organization, came together to provide an outlet for local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell their goods – connecting farmers to the community.