Community Partnerships Launching and maintaining successful benefit programs requires a variety of partners, representing diverse groups from your community that can work to get the word out to potential benefit customers, promote your matching programs, and possibly assist with funding efforts. Farmers markets and direct marketing farmers should partner with a wide range of groups, including agriculture organizations, “buy local” initiatives, food access and poverty focused groups, as well as government and non-governmental civic groups. Most likely, your market is already working with some partners to build community, reach out to a new audience, and create cross-promotions, but you may want to explore new partnerships that will specifically support your work. Think “outside the box” about who might be able to support your efforts. Not all partners need to be associated with agricultural issues or nutrition education to be a good fit. The key to good partnerships is that both partners benefit from the relationship.
Where to look:
City, state and federal government agencies Local public health department SNAP administrative agency Local transportation department WIC office Senior Centers Schools Hospitals, clinics and healthcare agencies Tenant Associations Food Pantries Anti-hunger and anti-poverty organizations Places of worship Economic development entities Neighboring farmers markets Farmers market associations And many more…
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