Author: Hunter Carroll
Planning Unit: Jackson County CES
Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping
Plan of Work: Individuals know and practice good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Over the summer of 2024, the ANR, 4-H, and FCS noticed a decline in the local farmer's market. This led to farmers being discouraged from setting up at the market because almost no one was coming and buying local produce after discussing with the farmers, community, and agents for their opinions. Then agents brainstormed, thinking of what bring in more people to the farmers' market; after much discussion, the agents concluded that any attempt to increase numbers at the farmers market is to bring in a different local food truck each week. Jackson County has an outstanding variety of local food trucks to offer the county, including BBQ, Country style, pizza, and traditional food trucks. The results of this choice had a tremendous influence on the farmer's market because the market size almost quadrupled, going from, on average, 50 people when there was not a food truck to 200 plus people when there was a food truck. In addition, we noticed that the time at the market increased. The Thought Process of the ANR, 4-H, and FCS agents was if someone comes to market and grabs lunch and might have to wait on their food would allow someone to look around at the market and grab a fresh producer, which was the result was exactly what the agents strived for. Not only did the farmer's sales go up most farmers went from selling a few items to ultimately selling out of all products they brought with the day the food truck was there; not only did the farmers do outstanding local food trucks did terrific as well. Several food trucks have approached the agents have had their best day of the summer at the market and, selling out and evening having someone run to the closest store to buy more produce. This has been an enormous success for farmers and the food truck. Food trucks include the Jackson County Cattleman Association, Bowman's Baby Butt BBQ, Crazy Eatz Pizza, and Ms. D Country Cooking, and Pinoy Kitchen.
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