The Food Trust: Fresh from the Farmers’ Market Column Debut

Watching Philly’s robust food scene blossom over the past 7 years has been quite the honor here at Green Philly. One of the organizations that’s responsible for such awesome events like the Night Market and local farmers markets is The Food Trust.  

We’re happy to announce that they’ll be posting on Green Philly under their new column, Fresh from the Farmers’ Market. Just follow the tag to read up on the column. Plus, they’ll be taking over our Instagram account next week in honor of National Farmers’ Market Week.

So let’s get to know the Food Trust a little better. You’ve seen their name around town, but let’s dig a little deeper to find out what this organization’s really about.

The Food Trust’s Mission Statement

The Food Trust’s mission is “to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions” for over 20 years. They work with local neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers and policymakers to develop a comprehensive approach to improved food access combining education and a greater availability of affordable, healthy food.

History of The Food Trust & The Farmers’ Market Program 

The Food Trust’s comprehensive approach includes improving food environments and teaching nutrition education in schools; working with corner store owners to increase healthy offerings and helping customers make healthier choices; managing farmers’ markets in communities that lack access to affordable produce; and encouraging grocery store development in underserved communities.

The Food Trust, in partnership with Get Healthy Philly, operates more than 25 farmers’ markets in Philadelphia, including Philly’s oldest year-round market, Clark Park Farmers’ Market, and the city’s largest outdoor market in Headhouse Farmers’ Market. Many of The Food Trust’s farmers’ markets are located in neighborhoods that otherwise lack access to healthy foods and accept SNAP (food stamp) benefits and Philly Food Bucks to make fruits and vegetables affordable to everyone.

The Farmers’ Market Program is one of several departments at The Food Trust – amongst Development, Community Nutrition Program, Healthy Corner Store Initiative, Mid-Atlantic Farm to School Network, School Nutrition Programs, School Wellness Programs, Supermarket Campaign, and more! In addition to operating farmers’ markets, the Food Trust works on various other projects to increase the access to healthy foods, including the following:

• Connecting nutrition education to students through our Farm-To-School Team
• Advocating for healthier food in convenience stores through the Healthy Corner Store Initiative
• Administering a financing package to help supermarket operators locate in underserved areas
• Engaging youth to lead healthier, more active lives through HYPE (Healthy You. Positive Energy)
• Creating community through monthly Night Market events that tie in street food culture

Welcome to Green Philly, The Food Trust! We’re so excited to collaborate and see what you have in store!