By Matt Galle
Northside Farmers Market
Gratitude fills hearts as the fall season arrives at the Northside Farmers Market. Appreciation is extended to the farmers and producers, community organizations and customers who have shown copious amounts of generosity and support. Approaching the end of our 16th season, we want to recognize a few who contribute to our local food economy.
The Double Dollars program, administered by the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, is at a record-setting pace. The program, which matches up to $25 of food share benefits such as SNAP/EBT, gained new leadership back when the world looked a bit different. Alma Horlick has done a stellar job raising funds to support an extension through the remainder of the market season.
Coordination with local food pantries continues to grow. Lakeview Lutheran and The River food pantries glean produce and other items weekly. They both report an increase in traffic and the farmers/producers of the Northside Farmers Market have answered the call.
Buy One for a Neighbor (BOFAN), organized by Joe Mingle with Healthy Food For All, is a simple and effective program to get more nourishment to those in need. Neighborly generosity abounds, and BOFAN also provides a boost to hardworking farmers and producers. Food donations are collected at the information booth and monetary donations go directly to vendors, supplementing the food pantries’ collections.
Finally, thanks to all who attend the market, keeping dollars local and directly helping our neighbors. Your cooperation and understanding as market volunteers, leadership and management navigate uncharted waters has allowed the market to go on, albeit with an altered appearance. We continue to evaluate and modify operations to maximize the enjoyment, safety and health of everyone at the market.
At press time, our last market is scheduled for Oct. 25, but that date may be extended. There will be no winter market this year. Sign up for our newsletter (northsidefarmersmarket.org/) or find us on Facebook (facebook.com/madNFM) to join our page and receive updates.