"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 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.
“This generous gift will not only help us feed thousands of our neighbors who are facing increased food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will also help support local farms, which are so vital to all of us," said Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank.
"Volunteers of the Unity & Survival program meet each Tuesday to stack boxes of fresh produce and dry goods. The food is shipped to them by their supply partners, such as The Common Market and the Share food program, and then distributed to the blocks surrounding Norris Square Park."
"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.’"
"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."
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.
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.
"One of those partnerships is a collaboration with The Common Market to provide families with fresh produce boxes weekly until June 24. Made possible through a USDA contract, The Common Market and the Y are connecting vulnerable communities with fresh food from sustainable family farms. YMCA branches are providing 500-900 boxes of fresh produce that are distributed throughout metro Atlanta."
“During this time of uncertainty, we are honored to continue investing in our small- to medium-scale farmers, and in turn, nourish hungry communities,” says The Common Market Mid-Atlantic’s Executive Director, Yael Lehmann.
Our friendly and educated team is here to partner with you every step of the way. Connect today to learn of all the ways to partner with The Common Market.
"Often as a chef and manager, trying to buy local has been at the least a pain. Building a relationship with The Common Market has completely changed that experience. I know that the product I am buying is local down to the farm where it was grown. I am able to let the students know the people who grow their food so that they feel a real connection to those farmers. I look forward to a long and growing relationship with the Common Market."
— Allen Clark, Food Service Director, Sage Dining Services, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School