Help Markets Grow

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Food Trust sent out an email today announcing this op-ed piece that was recently run in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  The article, co-written by The Food Trust’s deputy executive director and a representative of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, advocates for three measures to improve the state’s farmers’ markets:

1.  The PA state legislature should fund the grant program approved as part of the Farmers’ Market Development Act passed last year.  This would allow grants of up to $10,000 each for new or expanding markets.

2.  The voucher program that allows low-income senior citizens and mothers to buy produce at farmers’ markets should be expanded so that participants receive a greater amount per year (currently, they get a yearly $20 voucher redeemable for fresh fruits and veggies).

3.  The state should provide wireless card readers to allow markets to readily accept food stamps.

The Food Trust suggests contacting Governor Rendell and other elected officials to support these measures and including the op-ed piece if you want.  Beyond buying local, this is a great way to advocate for some tangible measures that support local farms and markets!