05/25/2022
๐๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ ๐ฝ๐ค๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ค๐๐ง๐๐ข ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ค๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ง๐๐จ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ
To get fresh, local food into the hands of more people, the Schenectady Greenmarket sought the support of a $20,000 Healthy Food Access for All grant. Farmers get a fair market price for their produce while the customer gets vegetables, leafy greens and soon fruits fresh from the farm.
This kind of program, known as Community Supported Agriculture, offers financial security for farmers, safe, often chemical-free food for community members and results in healthier soils. Ensuring those items increases the price, which often means CSA programs largely serve those who can afford to pay.
Because of the Foundation’s support, this Food Box Program is for low-income residents and those with greatest need.
“This program shows us how to make equitable access to healthy food sustainable for both farmers and consumers,โ said Kristi Milligan, director of grants and community programs for The Schenectady Foundation: https://www.schenectadyfoundation.org. โWhen we involve all sectors of the food system, everyone wins.”
For a low, below-market price, those enrolled in the Greenmarketโs Food Box Program receive a delicious assortment of fresh, high-quality produce. Already in May offerings include spinach, lettuce, apples, potatoes, spring onions and more. For more about the program go to our blog: https://www.schenectadyfoundation.org/page/news-4/news/from-farm-to-market-to-home-132.html
