Foodshelves do not often have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and when it is donated, the quality can be poor. To combat this problem, the Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) launched a traveling farmers market program in June of 2002. Since the program began, EFN has purchased and distributed nearly 120,000 pounds of fresh locally grown produce from as many as 16 local immigrant farmers.
The EFN farmers market program has obtained tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, onions, squash, eggplant, cucumbers, corn, herbs and mustard greens. Throughout the years EFN has purchased fresh quality produce such as tomatoes, potatoes, mangos, pears, peaches, squash, apples and oranges. EFN occasionally has the opportunity to purchase eggs and milk when resources are available. We provide this product to our network of agencies and their clients at no charge.
The program not only gives the EFN access the highest quality of product but also engages Minnesota immigrant growers in strategic partnership to increase farming knowledge and reduce waste. EFN supports the training and education efforts of local immigrant farmers as they learn and develop new business opportunities. EFN is able to provide educational awareness and nutritional education programs through partnerships with Simply Good Eating and other local nutrition educators.