(WNY News Now) – The Jamestown Public Market is set to expand its offerings with a $250,000 grant from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program, aiming to make fresh, locally grown produce available to more residents, year-round.
The Jamestown Public Market is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to enhance the availability and accessibility of locally grown food for underserved communities. This grant will support the expansion of the markets to year-round programming, designed to bolster local food systems, support small-scale farmers, and promote healthier eating choices across the region. The FMPP grant, awarded for $250,000 over three years, will fund initiatives aimed at expanding the market’s infrastructure and season, increasing the visibility and outreach to farmers, improving digital engagement and marketing, and connecting local producers with new customer bases.
“We are extremely grateful to be one of the 60 organizations across the nation to receive this grant from the USDA,” said Nick Weith, Food Access Manager of the Jamestown Public Market, which is operated by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. “The need for equitable access to healthy food doesn’t end with Western New York’s short growing season. This funding will play a key role in providing that access to the area and increase economic opportunity for farmers and food businesses who work hard every day to provide fresh, locally grown and made delicious food to all of us throughout the year.”
Key objectives of the project include:
- Create a year-round marketplace for local farmers and shoppers.
- Launch free training for small businesses vending at the farmers market.
- Expand community outreach to increase participation among low-income families, senior citizens, and veterans with limited access to fresh produce.
- Promote online and regional marketing to encourage visitors and agritourism
Since its inception, the FMPP has funded hundreds of projects that help connect small farmers and producers with new customers, build partnerships between food systems organizations, and create long-term solutions for improving food access. This includes a 2017 FMPP grant that the Jamestown Public Market received to launch the Jamestown Mobile Market. Which is designed as a “farmers market on wheels” that travels to food deserts and high need areas across Jamestown and brings fresh healthy food to the communities who do not have equitable access.
By improving market infrastructure and increasing consumer access to fresh, local food, the 2024 FMPP grant will have a direct, positive impact on both the local economy and public health.