Allison Milchling, Eat Fresh Maryland CoordinatorMaryland Farmers Market Conference

February 28, 2013

About:

• Eat Fresh Maryland was established in 2010 and is a partnership of nearly 30 farmers markets, non-profits, and government agencies.

•

• We are the first statewide effort to expand federal nutrition benefits redemption at farmers markets.

Partners:• Farmers markets in 8 counties• 10 Baltimore City farmers

markets including Waverly and JFX

• Maryland Hunger Solutions• University of Maryland

Extension• Maryland Department

of Agriculture• Future Harvest• SMADC

Goals:

• Expand food access for low-income Maryland residents• Increase revenue for local farmers• Foster development of best practices and amongst farmers market managers

Benefits:• Better access an additional revenue stream

for a broader customer base• Share best practices developed by markets

throughout the state• Collect data to leverage funding

opportunities for a broader network• Utilize a branded and recognizable network

identity• Stay up to date by joining our Google

Group listserv

June July August September October$0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$8,000

$10,000

$12,000

$14,000

$16,000

$18,000

20112012

EBT Sales Comparison

For June - October:2011 Total = $31,8002012 Total = $59,409

87% increase

For June - October2011 Total = $4,850

2012 Total = $30,612

531% increase

WIC FVC Sales Comparison

June July August September October$0

$1,000

$2,000

$3,000

$4,000

$5,000

$6,000

$7,000

$8,000

$9,000

$10,000

20112012

Materials:

How we help:• Provide banners, materials, and resources

for your market, vendors, and shoppers• Host free regional and statewide

workshops• Help facilitate

partnerships with local WIC/DHR/DHS offices

• Provide assistance in accepting SNAP/EBT

To find out more:Allison Milchling

Eat Fresh Maryland Network Coordinator

amilchling@gmail.com410-984-7717