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| New crop of farmers growing across the country |
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The rise of farmers markets is yielding fresher foods for many low-resource Americans and supporting a new type of farmer. The farmers are younger, more entrepreneurial and willing to skip the wholesalers. More than 15 percent of farmers market vendors are under 35. Selling their crops in a market environment offers them an inexpensive way to enter the industry, grow their businesses and meet the demand for local foods.
As we celebrate National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 6-12, we take a look at how some members of the NeighborWorks network are supporting local farmers and farmers markets. |
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| Oregon group shows the way to a focus on food |
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If you want to improve access to healthy food in your community, it takes a comprehensive approach, often including farmers markets, to make a long-lasting, systemic difference that benefits everyone.
NeighborWorks Umpqua in Oregon has partnered with the state food bank to create a plan for creating a community food system shaped and owned by residents. |
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| A Wisconsin indoor farm brings fresh food to the community |
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NeighborWorks Green Bay transformed a former military armory into a “farmory”—an indoor farm that provides the neighborhood with fresh vegetables, herbs and fish. Crops grow at the farmory through a method called aquaponics, which uses water from fish tanks to fertilize plants. The plants soak up the fish-processed nutrients, filter the water and return it back to the fish.
Excerpted from "
NeighborWorks Works: Practical Solutions from America's Community Development Network
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| California farmers market offers much more than food |
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The opening of a farmers market in a blighted Sacramento neighborhood brought a boost to the community by offering residents more than just fresh produce, but also crafts, music and exercise classes.
The farmers market was part of a NeighborWorks initiative that helps communities attract and retain residents, businesses and investment. |
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| Nonprofits put small-footprint homes to versatile use |
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The almost “faddish” rise of what has been called “tiny homes” is much in the media. On the ground, the small houses are being put to use as an alternative for homelessness and affordable housing in tough markets for singles and couples. |
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