Community Engagement

We know that those closest to the issues are oftentimes closest to the solutions, so we provide platforms for community members to advocate for themselves. By actively gathering and incorporating partner feedback, we tailor programs to better support the communities we serve.

We recognize that food access and food education must be paired in order to be effective in curbing food insecurity. Through collaborative efforts between our Pop-up Food Hub and FoodPrints programs, we provide our partners a range of educational and food access offerings through delivery and subscription services and opportunities to redeem supplemental nutrition assistance benefits.  Check out our Produce 101 guide developed to help eaters and shoppers better navigate the seasonal produce offered at our markets.

Creating a safe, engaging space that is free from power dynamics takes time, intention and flexibility. By honoring the lived experiences and wisdom of individuals providing direct, hands-on services, our staff are convening and facilitating robust, multi-sector coalitions. This work helps us understand the challenges and begin the process of developing participant driven solutions to inform policy and decision making.  In 2022 FRESHFARM, in partnership with Share Our Strength, developed a toolkit to inform organizations on how to create family councils.

Our approach to empowering and educating ECE providers and families starts by meeting them where they are. We build equity into our offerings by providing a range of ways for participants to engage and connect including:

• Training and employing Community Food Educators who provide food education for families at school and ECE sites.
• Designing workshops that provide hands-on cooking instruction with seasonal food.
• Providing consultation for ECEs focused on skills and equipment to prepare fresh food.