Crooked Billet-Hallowell-Learning Community kicked off a new initiative called PA Preferred on October 16. PA Preferred is a program where all food served in the school district cafeteria is either grown, manufactured, or produced in PA. The Common Market farms were supported this year through the initiative.
“Proper nutrition is essential to the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “The health systems participating in the Good Food, Healthy Hospitals program show they are committed to creating a healthy environment for their patients, staff and visitors. We are excited that this program is growing and continues to provide residents with healthy, sustainably produced products.”
The Common Market was recently awarded a contract with Newark Public Schools, the largest public school district in the state of New Jersey, to supply local produce for summer meals and salad bars. They are excited to continue building their capacity to respond to these bids, as they make farm to school a reality for our growers and our school districts.
Pennsylvania Hospital uses The Common Market, a mission-driven distributor of sustainable, local farm foods, as their trusted local food supplier. The Common Market connects institutions and communities with good food from over 200 producers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
"Increasingly, hospitals in the region and around the country are focusing on healthy food, and not just for patients. In 2014, the City of Philadelphia partnered with the American Heart Association and the regional food distributor The Common Market to launch Philadelphia’s “Good Food, Healthy Hospitals” challenge, which called on hospitals to adopt standards in cafeteria meals, patient meals, catering, and vending machines."
"How does The Caring Center make local sourcing work for them? Erica identifies where farm-fresh foods will have the greatest impact, be most cost-effective, and meet parents’ requests: antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken and turkey; produce in peak season; whole wheat flours."
The Greater Philadelphia SIJ Awards honors our region’s most passionate social innovators, entrepreneurs and Changemakers whose work and social impact too often goes unacknowledged, yet their efforts are what makes our communities across Greater Philadelphia the thriving region of innovation and opportunity they are for all people. The Common Market won first place in the Social Ventures category.
“Student feedback is integral to enhancing the campus dining experience,” says Steven Lewis, Aramark’s marketing manager at Drexel. So last fall, the Philadelphia-based college rolled out more fresh, healthy food options utilizing sustainable food practices.
“We are learning from the people we buy from,” says Michael D’Abundo, Executive Chef.
Indeed when it comes to food provided by The Common Market, a story typically goes with it. The vendor provides CulinArt with a data sheet to place in front of the products on their tables. “Usually there is a picture of the family that owns the farm and tells you about the history and the products you’re receiving from there,” D’Abundo says.
The Council of the District of Columbia voted unanimously today to ensure long-term commitment to implementing the Good Food Purchasing Program as part of a larger bill, The Healthy Students Amendment Act, that aims to improve student health and wellness. D.C. Public Schools will be the nation’s fifth to commit to the Program, which emphasizes five value areas: local economies, nutrition, a valued workforce, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Partners supporting this work include: DC Greens, DCPS Food and Nutrition Services, the DC Food Policy Council, DC Central Kitchen, The Common Market, [among others].
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.
"There is open dialogue with the grower and you feel as though Common Market has the grower's success and sustainability in mind."
— Steve Frecon, Co-Owner, Frecon Fruit Farms