Access to Healthy Foods Fund
Access To Healthy Foods Initiative
Sustainable Farms and Communities, Inc. in partnership with the Columbia Department of Public Health and Human Services and PedNet is establishing the AHF program to help increase the value of food stamps at the Columbia Farmers Market for those most in need of increased nutritional support. This is planned as a two year demonstration project in the hopes of demonstrating to funding sources the potential of this exciting and long over due program!
We are nearing the end of the planning stage and hope to attain the “seed” money to launch this summer. We will begin with 50 clients this summer who are receive food stamps and WIC assistance. Further, we are targeting pregnant women and single fathers within this group. Our hope is that the program will grow over the next few years to encompass more and more folks who need and deserve the opportunity to afford safe, local and nutritious foods.
There are hundreds of communities across the country increasing the buying power of food stamps at local farmers markets. However, the AHF program is unique in its all local roots and local health department participation. We hope to track health outcomes for clients as well to further increase the support of major funders. If you want to contribute to this years fund, please contact casey@farmersmarketpavilion.org to designate your tax deductible donation for this cause! We hope to raise a minimun of $25,000 to start.
You can click below to review the latest draft of the AHF fund planning document and the powerpoint presentation. As always, SF&C is all about “local.” We want you to see what we are working on and we hope that you will share your ideas as well. The AHF program needs your support.