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Author Archives: Honesta Romberger
Fed Reserve Report, Installment 2: Investing in Human Capital through Food Systems
Honesta Romberger October 25, 2017By Dar Wolnik, FMC Senior Researcher | darlene@farmersmarketcoalition.org In recent months, FMC has been taking a closer look at the recent landmark study, Harvesting Opportunity The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities in a series of blog posts. [Click here to read our first installment on Infrastructure] The book-length report documents the sustained…
Produce Growers Food Safety Workshop – November 2, 2017
Honesta Romberger October 23, 2017Attention HOMER AREA Produce Growers! The State of Alaska, in cooperation with the Cornell Produce Safety Alliance, is holding a Produce Growers Food Safety Workshop The course and materials are free. This FDA-approved course satisfies the Grower Training curriculum requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Growers can also receive a…
Alaska Local Food Program Awarded Part of $13.4 Million USDA Grant
Honesta RombergerHomer, AK - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $13.4 Million this year to 52 recipients across the country including $403,000 to Alaska’s Cook Inletkeeper, a community-based non-profit organization and major recipient of USDA’s 2017 Farmer’s Market Outreach Program (FMPP). “It’s an amazing step forward for local food programs in Alaska,” said…
Field Notes on the Amazon / Whole Foods Merger
Honesta Romberger October 19, 2017By Alex Canepa & Dar Wolnik Amazon’s recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion not only sent shockwaves through the grocery industry, but created a veritable cottage industry of thought pieces and jeremiads: “Would the new Whole Foods still have a soul?” “Did it ever have a soul?” “Why does Amazon suddenly care…
Need equipment to accept SNAP at your market? FMC has you covered!
Honesta Romberger October 17, 2017Everyday, farmers markets nationwide connect farmers to their neighbors – allowing them to grow their business while providing communities with fresh, local food necessary to support healthy families. The Farmers Market Coalition is committed to supporting local farmers, and increasing access to farm-fresh food for all communities, regardless of income. To meet these dual goals,…
Farmers Market SNAP Incentive Program Exceeds $1.2 Million in Massachusetts
Honesta Romberger October 10, 2017By Gus Schumacher, Founding Board Chair of Wholesome Wave and Former Massachusetts Commissioner of Food and Agriculture Note: A week before his passing, Gus Schumacher penned this article, describing the runaway success of a program that was near and dear to his heart—the Healthy Incentive Program in his home state of Massachusetts. Never one to do things…
USDA Announces 2017 FMPP Grantees
Honesta Romberger September 29, 2017This week, USDA awarded 52 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grants totalling 13.4 million dollars. FMC extends our warmest congratulations to all recipients, especially our members and partners who were awarded FMPPs this year, including the Food Trust, National Young Farmers Coalition, Ecology Center, the Center for Rural Affairs, Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association, Florida…
Pittsburgh, Here We Come!
Honesta Romberger September 21, 2017Last week, FMC began work with the City of Pittsburgh to complete a comprehensive analysis of the city’s market system. The goal of the study is to better understand the role of markets throughout the city and develop a plan for growth that improves equitable access to fresh, affordable food, while supporting the region’s producers.…
FMC Visits Capitol Hill to Discuss Farm Bill
Honesta RombergerLast week, Farmers Market Coalition staff and board members were on Capitol Hill as part of our ongoing discussions with legislators about FMC’s legislative priorities and the farm bill. In recent months FMC has visited with legislative ag staff, attended listening sessions, and worked with local markets to bring their representatives to market. This…
FMC Live Chat: Farmers Markets Host Successful Visits by Public Officials
Honesta Romberger August 25, 2017Renegotiation of the Farm Bill is in full swing and key federal programs that support farmers markets are on the line. One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of farmers markets to decision makers, is to get them onsite to see the market firsthand. Before the season ends, invite your federal and state…
