As Thanksgiving draws near and many of us begin thinking about what will fill our tables, Director of Dining and Wellness Jennifer Bostedo is already thinking several steps ahead – about how to bring the freshness of New Jersey’s fall harvest directly to Montclair State University’s campus. For her, food is more than a meal plan; it’s a way to connect students to local farms, sustainable eating and the flavors of the season.
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive healthcare network, today announced a multi-pronged commitment totaling almost $7 million to expand its fight against hunger and food insecurity.
The HMH Healthy Connections Nutrition Pack Program will be a collaborative effort with established partners, including the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and Fulfill. Students will receive either a Nutrition Box or a reusable HMH-branded bag filled with shelf-stable, kid-friendly meals and, through a partnership with The Common Market, fresh produce.
Ken, Haile, and Keir Johnston are brothers who live and work in Philadelphia. Each has made his mark in community-oriented projects in different ways.
“The progress of Full Futures is only possible through the power of collaboration,” said Kate Barrett, President of The Campbell’s Foundation and Director, Campbell’s Community A airs. “Schools are more than just places of learning; they’re community hubs that play an essential role in feeding and caring for students and families. Our district and non-profit partners are the core of this effort, working together to make a lasting impact on the school community.”
One notable recipient, the Great Valley School District, is set to receive $15,000 to integrate local, seasonal produce such as yogurt and beef into school cafeterias. Partnering with The Common Market and local farms like Pequea Valley Farm and Frecon Farms, the district plans to not only serve fresh products but also provide educational insights into the sources of these foods. This approach promises to enrich students’ understanding of agriculture by connecting them with the origins of their meals.
Great Valley School District, a grant recipient, plans to purchase local, seasonal produce, yogurt, beef, and other products. In partnership with The Common Market, local products from Pequea Valley Farm, Frecon Farms, Happy Valley Meat, and other farms will be served in cafeterias along with information on where food was sourced.
A farmers market led by Camden City School Nutrition brings together students and the Camden, NJ community to increase access to fresh, local foods - distributed by The Common Market. The events occur once each month and feature a cooking demo, nutrition information, and resources from community partners.
Learn how to get set up and start using your New Jersey Local Food for Schools (LFS) funds today! In this brief, 10-minute informational webinar, Katie Barr, Outreach Coordinator for The Common Market Mid-Atlantic, lifts up how NJ schools and food service can access what is available for order from our local, Jersey farms, what quick documentation is required to become a partner, and how to place your orders for your first local food delivery! The Common Market has composed a special New Jersey ordering guide for your ordering needs. However, be sure to inquire about our full Availability List, which includes options from farmers and producers from across the region (PA, NY, DE, MD, VA)
A key element of Full Futures is helping procure nutritious and locally sourced ingredients for schools to incorporate into student menus. This year, the Camden School Nutrition team was again able to work with The Common Market and its farm partners to receive weekly deliveries of locally sourced produce from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
"In partnership with The Common Market, The Caring Center sources as much fresh produce and protein as possible from local farmers (including the delicious, local apples Ms. Erica used recently to make “Apple-pie-in-a-cup” with the children.
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