“Lily has been with The Common Market Georgia from the start and played a big role in its growth, embracing the opportunities and overcoming the obstacles that come with any new venture,” said board chair Cicely Garrett. “She is passionately committed to our mission of supporting local farmers and increasing access to their products to all, and she is uniquely qualified to take that vision to its next phase of expansion.”
Altanta native Lily Rolader has been with the local nonprofit food distributor since its 2015 inception
In addition to USDA programs that support efforts to develop and promote new markets for locally and regionally produced food and farm products, Haile discussed in his testimony the work they are doing to build a culture of food safety with the producers they work with. He stressed to the Committee that the next farm bill needs to invest more resources into outreach, training, technical assistance and capacity building as it pertains to food safety and producers.
Tatiana Garcia Granados started The Common Market to bring farm food to her Philadelphia neighborhood. Now she's taking on the nation's broken food distribution system.
Katie Chatham, The Common Market Georgia’s procurement manager, says they love working with farms and helping them get into the wholesale market. “We have the flexibility to work with folks who haven’t had access to these customers.”
"As individuals and companies, both large and small become more intentional about growing food sustainably, Lily believes agriculture can be something that restores. 'By developing market opportunities for our farmers growing food produced with integrity and respect, we can help transform growing practices and heal communities.'"
How Tatiana Garcia-Granados’ nonprofit enterprise, The Common Market, is bringing healthful food to low-income communities and lifting local farmers' livelihoods.
"The third wave of innovation in urban ag is upon us, and it’s all about supply chain and distribution. ...there’s hope that Common Market can disrupt the status quo"
A Kresge Health Program grantee, Common Market, developed a solution to bring healthy food to communities that need it most. “Common Market ties together disparate components of the food system in a way that I haven’t seen other organizations do.”
If successful, The Common Market Georgia’s larger volume sales — projected to reach $1.6 million in 2018 — could help crack another chicken-and-egg situation. That is local food’s promise to help Atlanta build stronger urban and rural places.
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"What I most appreciate is the consistency of the produce. I have yet to experience wilted lettuce or incorrect sizing of products and this is something difficult to find with the “big box” companies. I also appreciate Common Market's passion for developing relationships between the farmers and the chefs."
— Mike Bacha, Executive Chef, Emory University Hospital