Fresh Showings

There were two showings of Fresh the movie in Saint Louis tonight, and HELP was lucky enough to be included on the panels of both. Dr. Mattfeldt-Beman spoke at Saint Louis University, and Rhonda Smythe spoke at the Herb'n Maid event at White Flag Productions. We were happy to contribute to the conversation and hope to provide people with the information they need to get new programs started!

Herb'n Maid put on a fabulous fundraiser for Operation Backpack to keep kids fed over the weekend. Food and beverages were provided by sustainable restaurants and providers, including our favorites Kakao Choclates, and Schlafly.

New Funding for Farmers Markets

We love farmers markets here at HELP, and happily work a booth at the Schlafly Maplewood market. Increased funding for the marketing and promotion of markets is a great way to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and connect people to their local producers! Check out http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FMPP for more details.

FMPP funds have been used to provide educational workshops to farmers market managers and farmers/vendors; acquire permanent signage for markets to identify location and operation hours; purchase supplies for underserved farmers and markets; and, conduct promotional campaigns through newspaper, radio, and television advertising. Through these activities, AMS is gaining useful insights into efforts to promote, train, and educate farmers/vendors linking the market to more widespread community outreach programs.