Author: Sharon Flynt
Planning Unit: Scott County CES
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Plan of Work: Accessing Nutritious Foods
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Based on population estimates for July 1, 2019, Scott County has a population of 57,004. This is an increase of population of 21% since the census in 2010. The growing population allows for more opportunity for local farmers to market their products to residents within the county. Moreover, by disrupting food supply chains, the pandemic transformed how we grocery shop. Many more people are now looking for locally sourced food. To help facilitate bridging the gap between farmer and consumer, the Scott County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent and the Scott County Horticulture Agent partnered together to create the Farm to Fridge program. The program aimed to help consumers navigate the local agricultural and horticulture markets available by showcasing the farmers that grow meat, vegetables, fruits, flowers and more in Scott County. This program had a farmer panel of 3 farmers in Scott County selling different products. This panel was created to allow consumers to have their questions answered on how and why to buy local. The panelist were Mac Stone from Elmwood Stock Farm (produce and meats), Anne Brooks-Waller from Annie’s Flowers (flowers and arrangements), and Amanda & Reid Hall from Hallstead Meats (beef). Both agents also created introduction videos for all three farms. These videos were played at the beginning of the program and will be used in future events to promote local farms. The program was attended in person and had a virtual zoom option as well, allowing people to attend in the way they felt most comfortable. The program and individual videos have been posted to YouTube, seeking to increase the awareness of how to buy local and why it is worthwhile to a growing public. Elmwood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Y7iFlEYFk Annie’s Flowers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNYi-3dfh-Q&t=68s Hallstead Farm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meOlib7jkSc
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