Fresh Food For All

I am really excited by a Citycenter Danbury newsletter I received about a fundraiser dinner held last week to benefit the Danbury Farmers’ Market Community Collaborative (DFMCC).

It appears all the work the collaborative has done to improve access to fresh food inspired a prominent local business owner and community advocate to issue a challenge: He will match dollar for dollar (up to $5,000) any donations made to the DFMCC for the 2012 Market Season from now until Wednesday, May 2nd.

Often we hear that one of the challenges to improving health in this country revolves around the issue of improving access to better food choices. This is especially a challenge for people on a limited budget or who rely on government assistance programs. The DFMCC is on a mission to provide “equitable access local fresh food for all.” Their campaign is “Better Health, through Better Food” and at it’s core, it’s a community-wide health and nutrition enhancement campaign, a sustainable agriculture initiative, and an economic development strategy.

According to their evaluations, last year’s hard work is making a difference. Of responders receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits:

• 79% reported eating more fruits and vegetables since participating in the program
• 86% of those receiving Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers reported eating more fruits and vegetables since participating in the program
• 88% said they would eat more fruits and vegetables if they had more money to spend

Their work isn’t done and it looks like they have some big plans for the 2012 market season.

I love that more people in my area are now able to enjoy local, fresh food. I’m accepting the challenge and wanted to pass along the information in hopes that you’ll consider doing the same.

Click here to make a donation.