In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the success of a local initiative aimed at supporting small farmers and improving access to fresh produce in the community. The program, known as Fresh, operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model that delivers produce from 52 local farmers to nearly 2,000 households on a weekly and biweekly basis. This initiative not only provides fresh food to residents but also serves as a vital source of income for local farmers, making the program their largest customer.

Additionally, the meeting discussed the implementation of a mobile farmer's market, which operates five to eight times a week, targeting communities with limited access to fresh food. This market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, ensuring that low-income families can obtain nutritious produce. Last year alone, the initiative distributed approximately 2.3 million meals and rescued nearly 1.5 million pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

The meeting also touched on a composting initiative in collaboration with O Town Compost, which collects food waste from restaurants and households. This program has expanded to include around 1,300 homes, further promoting sustainability and waste reduction in the community. Overall, these efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing food security, supporting local agriculture, and fostering environmental responsibility.