Keep it Local
"The Local Foods Incentive Pilot is taking off in Bridgeton Public Schools, with farm to school meals providing better nutrition, benefiting area farmers, and boosting the local economy."
The Common Market in the News
Thousands of South Jersey students get access to farm-fresh meals
"New Jersey may be known as the Garden State but in low- and middle-income towns, getting nutritious food from farm to table is harder than you think, especially for schools. One South Jersey school district is partnering with The Common Market, a nonprofit food distributor that connects farmers with communities, to bring Jersey-fresh fruits, vegetables and meats directly to the lunch table."
Program delivers locally sourced foods to 2 NJ school districts
"The farm to school pilot’s goal is to provide these school districts with additional incentives, to dream with them about what that will look like, and what products they always wished they could source on their school meal lines, but maybe couldn’t afford to do, Rachel Terry said."
NJ Schools partners with nonprofit to bring locally sourced produce to students
"Bridgeton Public Schools in Bridgeton, N.J., has partnered with The Common Market, a nonprofit food distributor, for a pilot program that brings locally sourced food to students."
Bridgeton schools supplied with food through nonprofit's pilot program
"The program established in both districts uses a funding mechanism that eases budgetary restrictions placed on schools, therefore they can purchase locally grown foods with greater nutritional values more easily. While students benefit from filling themselves with nutritious meals, Garden State food suppliers rack up purchases, therefore the program helps improve local economies and business at small, family owned farms, the The Common Market said."
School offers fresh local food for lunch as part of N.J. pilot program
“The district receives weekly deliveries of farm-fresh, New Jersey-sourced fruits and vegetables as a part of a new farm-to-school pilot program that incentivizes the purchases of local foods from family farms,” according to a press release from The Common Market. “The pilot kicked off last month and will run through July."
RWJBarnabas Health Tackles Increases in Food Insecurity Following the Pandemic
"RWJBarnabas Health, the largest academic health care system in New Jersey is partnering with The Common Market to address food insecurity in 18 towns across the state from Jersey City to Toms River.
In 2021, RWJBH partnered with The Common Market to deliver Farm-Fresh Boxes of local produce, freshly baked bread, eggs, and yogurt, to RWJBH Hospitals across the state, which interns delivered to local food distribution sites, such as churches and food pantries."
How two N.J. school districts are trying to serve healthier lunches with locally grown produce
"That is the motivation behind a pilot launched in March in Bridgeton and Camden by The Common Market, a nonprofit local distributor, to infuse locally grown fruit and vegetables and products into the lunch menu. The Common Market hopes to support diverse farmers in the state."
IDEAS WE SHOULD STEAL: WORKING FARMS FUND
"The program has helped 25 small, organic farmers preserve and cultivate 355 acres of farmland around Atlanta, launching new generations of growers and a healthy locally produced food scene. Could Philly be next?"
Campbell Soup Company Launches Program to Advance School Nutrition
"Core partners in this effort include the Camden City School District, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, The Common Market, Food Bank of South Jersey, FoodCorps, National Farm to School Network, Wellness in the Schools, Aramark and New Jersey American Water. These organizations, several of whom have been longstanding partners, will support nutrition education and training for students and staff, procurement of fresh, local foods and measurement for the program."