South Texas is an isolated rural area on the U.S.-Mexico Border. As an economically deprived region, the food security issues that have become even more clear during the current COVID-19 crisis are arguably magnified on the border. This economically distressed region is vulnerable to food supply chain disruptions. Even though South Texas is a traditional […]
In our present-day scene, social, economic, and environmental problems are pressing, and because these wicked problems have no ending point, public health emergencies will continue to occur. However, there’s always a way forward, for instance, through embracing wicked opportunities- a reconstruction of problematic socio-organizational circumstances and context. One being farmers markets and similar outdoor, periodic […]
Meat is an undeniable cornerstone of American culture. The quintessential American summer day is hard to picture without a smokey barbecue or juicy burger. This is in part because meat in the U.S. is moderately priced when compared to Europe or Asia, where prices are frequently twice as high. Around the world, demand for cheap […]
How can the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market enhance its culture of inclusivity as well as its vendor and visitor diversity? The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market (BCFM) solicited the support of students and experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to address this question and determine off-season and in-season best practices. After 46 seasons, the Bloomington Community […]
Like many of our society’s systems, the COVID crisis has challenged our nation’s food system. Ricardo Salvador of the Union of Concerned Scientists voiced a fundamental flaw about our food system which has been made apparent during the pandemic: “The so-called efficiencies that have been built into the highly specialized industrial model that we have […]
Farmers market managers and governors around the country have to push back against unrealistic government pronouncements, both must transform limited resources into economic and social health, and both must balance strong rules with principles that support creative responses to the demanding circumstances of COVID. Problem solving market managers deftly dance between vendors, consumers, and government, […]
Farm 2 Facts can strengthen your reporting capacity when applying for grant funding. Farm 2 Facts (F2F) worked with leaders at Hope & Main to secure a Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant in 2018 by leveraging their existing data, success, and partnerships to support the market’s growth through this new grant funding. About Hope […]
Farmers markets help with food security, assist the economy, and lead positive social interactions amongst the community; therefore, many states have announced them as essential during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically in areas like Wisconsin, many markets have been running “Drive-thru” or online markets due to stricter government regulations. With the normal market season fast approaching, […]
The deadline for applications to the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the new Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) are a now just a month away (grant Deadlines have been extended from May 11 to May 26th due to COVID-19). We know that the COVID-19 crisis, spring weather, and these […]
How to Prep for your Famers Market Season during COVID-19 COVID-19 impacted virtually all businesses and arrived right before the start of market season. Fortunately, in 12 and counting states, farmers markets are essential and can continue operations. How can you ensure the health of your vendors and customers who come to your market? We […]
