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 512-236-0074 ext. 102 andrew@sustainablefoodcenter.org www.sustainablefoodcenter.org

SFC programs address all aspects of the food system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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