Dear Local Food Lovers,
Happy giving season from Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Thanks to support from community members like you, our local food system is growing stronger. But there is much work yet to be done. As much as 90% of the food we consume here in Rhode Island still comes from outside of New England. That leaves us knowing less about the foods we prepare to nourish our families, and spending less as a community in support of our neighbors and the local economy.
A “50 by 60” Food Vision
In 2014, we adopted the Food Solutions New England Food Vision as a guiding vision for our organization. The regional plan has a bold goal of building capacity for New England to grow 50% of its own food by 2060. To achieve this 50-by-60 goal, we operate a wide range of education and market-building programs that connect tens of thousands of eaters with New England farmers, fishers, and food producers. This means more opportunities to buy fresh food at farmers markets, more chances of finding locally grown food at nearby restaurants and grocery stores, and more RI youth learning to make nutritious food choices.
We need your help. Today we ask that you make a gift to the 2018 Farm Fresh Rhode Island Annual Fund. Your tax-deductible donation helps support local farms and increase access to fresh, local food for everyone in our community!
With your support, our community will benefit from:
- More markets offering high-quality local foods
- Better choices in tasty, fresh foods year-round
- A stronger economy for Rhode Island and our region
- Greater viability for small farmers and food producers
- More sustainable growing practices and farmlands
- Increased access to fresh food—for all
DONATE TODAY
Thank you for your support,
 Jesse Rye Executive Director Food System Enterprise |
 Sheri Griffin Executive Director Community Access |
Hear from Some Local Farmers and Shoppers
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“I farm for health and wellness, and to stay connected to the land. I used to live in Central Falls; it is really special for me to be able now to provide food for my neighbors. I want them to know I am connected to this community, and how much it means that they support a black farmer.” Dave, Farmer Sidewalk Ends Farm |
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“I’ve been shopping at farmers markets in RI for 18 years. The ‘Double Your SNAP’ bonus Farm Fresh provides via Bonus Bucks makes it so I can afford to shop at the farmers market. It totally helps me stretch my budget so I can purchase all the delectable fruits and veggies I get at the farmers market.” Jeff, Shopper RI Farmers Markets |
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“Selling at the market is so fun! We have built relationships with our customers at the farmers market — showing the same face every week has grown our customer loyalty. I love the spirit and diversity of our customers. The more diverse the customers are at the market, the more money we make.” Kia, Farmer Greenleaf Farm |
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“I like shopping at the farmers market because I get more for the money. It’s better than supermarket prices. There’s more variety, fresh from the farm, that hasn’t been stored for a long time. And I can find other veggies that are grown by local farmers that I can’t even find in the supermarket. When you shop at the market you feel a part of something; you get to know people—you don’t get that at the supermarket! The farmers market isn’t a super market… it’s a super-super market!” Babou, Shopper RI Farmers Markets |
