Author: Chelsey Anderson
Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
Plan of Work: Horticulture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The Cumberland County Farmer’s Market had a wonderful 2018 season. Three vendors now have multiple high tunnels each. This allows them to extend their market season. The market offered four new programs this season, POP Club, Prescription Program, Pantry Program, and Summer Feed. POP, Prescription, and Pantry were all in conjunction with the Cumberland County Health Coalition. POP Club started first at the market in April. This program was designed once a month for kids to attend the market, complete an activity, and do a tasting of fruits and vegetables in season. If they completed both they received two $2.00 vouchers ($4.00 total) to spend at the market that day. The guardian that brought them also received a $5.00 voucher to spend that day. This program brought in on average 29 participants (adults and kids) each month (April through August). For the prescription program, the market worked with a local pharmacy. The pharmacy referred patients who were, had a family history of, or borderline diabetic, heart disease, or high blood pressure, to the Extension Office to pick up packets of vouchers to spend. The packet consisted of six vouchers, two per month (June, July, and August) worth $5.00 each. The market had 16 of 19 complete the program. One major success from the program was a gentleman was diagnosed as pre-diabetic at the beginning and with diet changes was able to stay off of medication and lost 30 plus pounds. The Pantry Program was led by the SNAP-ED assistant. Market vendors were able to sell fruits and vegetables directly to the local food pantry for them to offer to clients. The program last eight weeks and had 109 clients go through. A total of 352 meals were served through the program. Lastly, the Summer Feed program was conducted at the elementary school during the summer months. Vendors were able to sell directly to the school board. Students enjoyed 194 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. For all of these programs, a total of $2,336.53 went back into the market.
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