Designed last year with busy college students in mind, it offers a weekly box of six to eight seasonal produce items sourced from local farms, along with easy-to-follow recipes to help students make use of ingredients they may be unfamiliar with.
At the heart of Hopkins Dining's local sourcing strategy is a partnership with The Common Market, a mission-drive nonprofit distributor that connects institutions with local small & midsized farms. For universities seeking a reliable way to incorporate local food into large-scale operations, The Common Market proves to be a powerful and pragmatic solution.
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.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved more than $20.6 million in grant awards to 50 organizations under the Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program. The awards are the first set of approvals under the $30 million FEED NJ program and will support food security projects in New Jersey’s 14 most acute Food Desert Communities (FDCs), catalyzing innovative, sustainable, and scalable food access initiatives in underserved areas. The total funding of $30 million is one of the largest investments in recent years dedicated to strengthening New Jersey’s food security infrastructure.
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.
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.
"Partnering with The Common Market has elevated our school meal program at the middle school level. The quality and freshness of the produce we receive are unmatched."
— Brandon Lang, Food Service Director, Bristol Township School District