In July, PPM provided six Ohio farmers’ markets with $1,000 mini-grants to address challenges they face while operating nutritionincentive programs during COVID-19. These funds support markets so that they can continue to serve SNAP shoppers and specialty crop farmers during this challenging time. Funding for the Produce Perks Farmers Market Covid Support Mini Grants came from Fair Food Network’s Nutrition Incentive Hub Innovation Fund.
Farmers’ Market mini-grantees:
- Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market (Cleveland): Funds will be used to introduce a market-wide pre-ordering system on their website, as well as to purchase additional PPE.
- Northside Farmers Market (Cincinnati): Funds will be used to create and mail postcards with information on how to shop at the market, including using SNAP, Produce Perks, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition vouchers.
- Local Matters (Columbus): Funds will be used to upgrade software and increase staffing to cover their Veggie Van’s new COVID-safe business systems.
- Toledo Farmers’ Market (Toledo): Funds will be used to help offset costs incurred for their website upgrade, on market signage, and PPE.
- North Union Farmers Market (Cleveland): Funds will be used to add additional staff and to purchase PPE to ensure a safer shopping experience.
- Tremont Farmers Market (Cleveland): Funds will be used to purchase an iPad to administer the Produce Perks program, and to establish safer practices going forward.
