FRESHFARM

Washington, District of Columbia, 20001 United States

Mission Statement

FRESHFARM is a non-profit that promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food access and equity in the Mid-Atlantic Region. We do this by operating producer-only farmers markets that provide vital economic opportunities to local farmers and food producers and through innovative outreach programs that educate the public about food and related environmental issues. For more information please visit: freshfarm.org

About This Cause

FRESHFARM's work is guided by the goals of (1) strengthening our food economy through market-based solutions, (2) empowering the next generation of eaters through food education, and (3) promoting resilience through innovative food access and distribution programming. We accomplish this through our 3 core programs: Farmers Markets, FoodPrints, and the Pop Up Food Hub. Farmers Markets: We manage and operate 27 farmers markets in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Our markets serve as an inclusive central gathering place for 200 farmers and food producers in the Mid-Atlantic region to connect with urban customers. FRESHFARM farmers markets enable farmers to sell their products to a wide network of interested shoppers, thus driving increased revenue and promoting the viability of their businesses. At all of our farmers markets, we provide nutrition incentive matching dollars for low-income shoppers using federal nutrition benefits (SNAP, WIC, SMFNP) to buy more local produce at market. As part of our efforts to increase food access in historically underserved areas, FRESHFARM operates two satellite Farm Stands and a central market in Ward 7. Our staff transports local fruits and vegetables from a central market to these stands, which serve as convenient market places in neighborhoods that have limited or no access to fresh food. To ensure this initiative effectively serves our communities, we hire residents of those neighborhoods to staff the stands and provide community insights. FoodPrints: FoodPrints improves health and education outcomes for children by integrating gardening, harvesting, cooking, and nutritious eating at 15 DC elementary schools. Students increase knowledge about and consumption of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, develop preferences for nutritious foods, and build skills and confidence to prepare nutritious recipes. Parents and caregivers are invited into the classroom to volunteer and learn along with their children, giving them the knowledge and ability to prepare these healthy recipes at home. Our expert educators teach hands-on lessons that get students excited about growing, preparing and enjoying fresh, local whole foods — and bring science, math and social studies to life — with the goal of improving health outcomes of children and families. Pop Up Food Hub (PUFH): The PUFH is an innovative, low-infrastructure model of local food distribution that utilizes the farmers market space as a temporary hub to sort, pack, and then deliver healthy, local food to individuals and community organizations such as childcare facilities, senior centers, health clinics, and teaching gardens. By utilizing the farmers markets, we circumvent expensive infrastructure like warehouses to keep costs low and affordable for underserved communities and provide additional revenue for local farmers. As part of PUFH operations, FRESHFARM offers the Market Share program - a weekly fruit and vegetable subscription program. The Market Share allows consumers to experience the best produce that each season has to offer, and provides our farmers with an added revenue source. The Market Share is an inclusive program, and offers heavily subsidized shares for shoppers using nutrition benefits like SNAP, WIC, or SFMNP. FRESHFARM’s mission and programs are brought to life by a dedicated network of staff, volunteers, and outside professionals. FRESHFARM currently employs 31 full-time & over 40 part-time staff members, enlists a network of over 100 volunteers, and consults with 7 contractors.

FRESHFARM
655 New York Avenue Nw 6Th Fl
Washington, District of Columbia 20001
United States
Phone 2023628889
Twitter @FRESHFARMDC
Unique Identifier 352169859