"Restaurants across the nation have struggled to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some programs aimed at helping them. In Austin, that help comes in the form of ‘The Neighborhood Pop Up Grocery Program,” which drops off fresh produce to restaurants around the city, then allows them to sell the product for some extra cash."
"For the farmers, it’s been a win-win – providing support for those in need while also providing an opportunity to keep their farms afloat. 'Seeing our shiitake mushrooms reaching local communities warms our hearts and makes us proud of what we do every day,' shared Howard Berk of Ellijay Mushrooms, a mushroom farm located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. 'The Common Market has given us a lifeline in these uncertain times with the opportunity to supply our mushrooms in the USDA farm boxes.'”
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.
"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."
"Being able to incorporate seasonal, local, and sustainable products into the menu at a recovery center is challenging, but the impact it has on the nutritional value in the food and experience with our guests is astonishing."
— Chef Skyler Hanka, Prairie Recovery Center