Updates from the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand

In 2022, we joined forces with Common Grain Alliance to bring local grains and pantry staples to Washington, DC area customers through the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand. Our goal was simple: to grow and sustain the businesses of grain farmers, millers, bakers, and grain artisans in the Mid-Atlantic region. We started at just one market in 2022 and thanks to funding, we’ve been able to grow. In the fall of 2023 we expanded to three additional markets, and last year we hosted the grain stand at four markets. The Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand has always gone beyond the transaction. Our staff of Grain Stand Specialists engage and educate shoppers on how to use what, for many, is a new and unfamiliar farmers market product.

Scaling Back 

Unfortunately, the funding that supported this endeavor has ended, so we are scaling back our farmers market footprint. Starting in April, the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand will be at Dupont Circle and Downtown Silver Spring weekly, and at Mosaic bi-weekly, starting April 13th. The Grain Stand will longer be at the Arlington market. We will continue to offer the Grain Share as an add-on to our CSA-style Market Share.

The Mid Atlantic Grain Stand By the Numbers

We know there is a growing interest—and appetite— for local grains. Since starting the Grain Stand, sales going directly back to grain farmers and artisans have steadily increased. In 2022, $11,214 went back into the pockets of seven grain farmers and producers. In 2023 that number leaped to $99,035, benefiting ten grain farmers and producers. And 2024 was our strongest year yet, with $121,279 directly benefiting nine farmers and producers.

Let’s break down the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand’s impact in 2024:

• 1,916 Grain Shares sold as part of Market Share 
• 11 pick-up sites for the Grain Share
• 196 market days attended by the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand
• 7,536 shopping transactions at the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand

A New Path Forward

We are committed to finding new ways to distribute local grains and pantry items, to support the regional grain economy, and to spark shoppers’ curiosity about and desire for locally grown grains. “In this next phase of the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand, we hope to dig deeper roots in our current markets and explore creative ways to expand access to local grains within our community. By maintaining a strong core program, we can continue to support the growth of the farmers we partner with and make sure they are able to continue doing their valuable work, “ explains Eizel Luna, FRESHFARM Grains project manager. 

How can you help? The answer is simple: invest your food dollars in a strong regional grain economy and shop for local grains and pantry items whenever possible!