1. Sustainable Food Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. SFC envisions a food secure community where all children and adults grow, share and prepare healthy, local food.
Andrew W. Smiley
Farm Direct Projects Director
ext. 102

2. SFC programs address all aspects of the food system.

3. SFC programs Grow Local – community and youth food gardening
Farm Direct – farm marketing programs linking producers with consumers
The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ - cooking classes and nutrition education programs

4. SFC programs Farmers markets WIC FMNP and Food Stamp EBT programs
Farm direct deliveries to hospitals, universities, worksites, and schools
Models for statewide policy

5. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Program Participation: Redemption Rates
51% in 2004 to 35% in 2008 to 49% in 2009 statewide
53% in 2004 to 27% in 2008 to 21% in 2009 locally
$15K in 2004 to $18K in 2008 to $36K in 2009 at SFC markets
$53K in 2010 and $18K in 2011 at SFC Markets

6. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Research and Customer Feedback
2007 Focus Groups: We Want More!
More variety
More value
More information about where markets are located
More info on using seasonal foods

7. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Research and Customer Feedback
2010 Research: We Want Better!
Better information about how to use vouchers
Better signage indicating markets accepting WIC FMNP
Better info and recipes for using seasonal foods

8. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Outreach Strategies
Low-tech: Flyers, signs and posters
Distributed through schools
Posted at recreation centers, health clinics, churches, even grocery stores (but not WIC clinics)
Shared with other SFC program participants
Displayed at the Farmers’ Markets

9. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Outreach Strategies
Mass Media: TV, Print and Radio
Earned media in newspapers
Radio interviews
Calendar listings
Spanish and English language media outlets

10. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Educational Strategies
The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ cooking classes
Recipes and cooking demonstrations at markets and at WIC Clinics
Product samples

11. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Shopper Incentives
Double-value Voucher Program (planned for 2012)
Gift cards for survey participants
Free shopping bags

12. SFC programs Farmers’ Market Outreach and Education Strategies
Next Steps
Advocate for expansion of Seniors FMNP and return of WIC FMNP
Evaluate Double-value program
Promote use of WIC CVV and SNAP at markets
Mitigate the effects of the drought

13. For more information, visit us online at www.sustainablefoodcenter.org
Sari Albornoz, Grow Local Program Director
Joy Casnovsky, The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ Program Director
Suzanne Santos, Austin Farmers Market Director
Andrew W. Smiley, Farm Direct Projects Director