There is mounting concern about food access nationally and locally.
Teachers see the evidence in their classrooms while social service
organizations have experienced a spike in numbers of individuals and families
who aren’t able to put adequate food on the table.
From its inception four years ago, the St John’s Farmers Market committed
to making a difference by initiating what we now call the Community
Partnership program with the ongoing goal of providing access to a healthier
lifestyle, focused on the SJ Farmer’s Market where stronger community
connections can organically evolve with a wider spectrum of St John’s diverse
community.
The market board is strongly committed to what we believe is a more
effective approach to food outreach. Rather than waiting for individuals and
families to come to the market and ask for vouchers, this program goes
into the community, partnering with organizations, who identify participants
eager to benefit from access to the farmer’s market and meaningful activities
that offer useful strategies for healthy eating.
The incentive for participation is based on vouchers distributed by our
partners to low-income families and individuals they serve and redeemable
at the market. Our goal is take advantage of the “up close and personal”
feel of the market in order to build trust and interest among participants so
the program can expand its reach and positive influence through proactive
relationships with these Community Partners.
This year we are working directly with local non-profits, including Village
Gardens and North Portland Health Clinic as well as two retail businesses in
a proactive response to food scarcity as it becomes more prevalent across
a broader spectrum of our community. We are actively seeking additional
Community Partners who meet our criteria and see the advantages for
joining our initiative.
Funding for this year’s program is made possible by generous underwriting
from New Seasons Markets, LLC.
We will be providing updates on the program throughout the market season
and beyond. We welcome your participation, suggestions and critique. Please contact us at communitypartnerships@sjfarmersmarket.com
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The board and our Community Partners initiative are pleased to welcome Alicia Howard as our CP intern for this market season.
passionate about prevention and education in health care and the role nutrition can play in both. Alicia also enjoys trying new dances and recipes.
