Based on the data gathered from our first year’s experience, we want to continue to build the Master’s Table Farm Market, by expanding and refining the distribution and sales model.
Based on our data we are convinced that both the supply and the demand exist, but the system of distribution and price control need further exploration while strategically building the program’s future sustainability.
A Focus on Cooking Locally Grown Products
BRIDGES will provide 14 weeks of cooking demonstrations. This was the most frequent request in our survey results which will:
· Increase the purchasing of locally grown products by the low-income seniors
· Increase sales revenue for local farmers
· Increase seniors’ consumption of fruits and vegetables
· Increase community awareness and involvement in the Master’s Table Farm Market
Revised Product Distribution System
In year one, we struggled with farmer reliability and accountability. We started out with commitments from 6 farmers but as the demand from larger markets promised higher profits, they opted to sell at those venues causing our supply to diminish. To fill the gap, BRIDGES Healthy Cooking School created an ad hoc Assisted Sales System, arranging to pick up the produce from the farmers and bring it to the markets. This saved the farmers the cost and time of transportation and labor to serve our smaller markets but still providing them income from retailing, and caused a 400% increase in senior consumer sales.
In 2009 we will refine and establish a distribution system which:
· Accommodates reduced prices for consumers
· Accommodates community diversity
· Places less demand on our small farmers
· Increases the participation in the local food movement for both the small farmer and the low-income senior
The Master’s Table Coalition
The ultimate goal of this pilot program is to have the Master’s Table Markets become self-sustaining within their communities. BRIDGES will bring together identified stakeholders to form an ongoing coalition to assist in the creation of a sustainable distribution system and to take ownership for the survival of these markets in their community.
The stakeholders will include local farmers and producers, wholesale suppliers, senior citizen consumers, representatives from the senior centers, Department of Agriculture, county Cooperative Extension, Department of Health, Department of Aging, nutritionists and faith-based organizations, to name a few.