The Common Market in the News

USDA: The Common Market, Part 1

USDA Food And Nutrition Service (SERO)

The Bugg Farm works with their partner distributor The Common Market to distribute their products to places that may be nutrient starved. Now, working side-by-side, Addis Bugg and his son Addis Bugg Jr. are caring for their farm and finding new ways to expand their thriving farm business.

Feeding People in a Pandemic

Shelterforce

"So when The Common Market offered Ellijay Mushrooms space in its USDA food boxes for three of the total six weeks, it felt like a godsend. “This is a game changer,” says Berk, adding that the farm hasn’t had to lay anyone off. “Those three weeks will help keep the farm afloat.”

The Common Market is Donating $3.9 Million of Fresh Produce to Locals Facing Food Insecurity

Green Philly

“[The Common Market Mid-Atlantic's Farmers to Families Program] is dearly appreciated and needed here in Philly where the boxes are being given to various individuals in the community who are now living semi-independently or independently in the community after having histories of homelessness, institutionalization, and group homes,” shared James Piasecki, Ph.D., a director at Resources for Human Development, Inc.

Northwest Houston church cooks up a plan to feed furloughed neighbors

Houston Chronicle

"After starting Furlough Kitchen Houston, Bledsoe received a message on social media from the Common Market Texas, a mission-driven distributor of sustainable, local farm foods. The nonprofit donates fresh produce to the church, creating a unique fundraising opportunity. When families purchase The Common Market Texas produce boxes at St. Stephen’s, the sale becomes a donation to help the church continue preparing meals. 'People love the boxes, and they’re really pleased with what’s in them,' Bledsoe said. 'It’s hard to beat super-fresh produce.’"

Local Food in COVID-19 Response and Recovery

The National Farm to School Network

"Though child nutrition programs face new and emerging challenges, the importance and benefit of connecting with local food continues to emerge as vitally important and a key to addressing some of these potential challenges."

UH College of Medicine, American Heart Association Team Up to Provide Free Food and Toiletries

University of Houston

Houston’s most vulnerable communities have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Recognizing their added financial challenges, UH College of Medicine and American Heart Association (AHA) joined forces to deliver 100 boxes of fresh food and 100 boxes of toiletries to residents of Cuney Homes and Royal Palms Apartments. All the food was provided by The Common Market.

How Food Hubs and Co-Ops Are Overcoming the USDA Farm Box Program’s Flaws

Civil Eats

Despite a botched launch and execution, some small distributors are making big strides in supporting small farms and feeding hungry people. Leaders at The Common Market and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives noted that their operations were uniquely set up to execute this program because of existing infrastructure and prior experience with USDA grants.