Alchemist CDC: Bringing Fresh Local Produce to Low-income Families

Today's mid-week article is one in an occasional series of posts about local non-profit organizations with programs that should appeal to my fellow vegans.

Alchemist Community Development Corporation is dedicated to making locally-grown produce available to families who may have difficulty obtaining fresh fruits and vegetables otherwise, either because of the cost or because of a lack of availability in their neighborhoods. Currently, they are offering the Market Match program to CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps) customers at farmers' markets. Market Match is a wonderful incentive that gives CalFresh customers extra purchasing power. CalFresh customers who spend at least $10 at the farmers’ market receive an extra $5 in Market Match to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Not only does this support our local farmers, but it also provides a great marketing and motivational tool to attract new CalFresh customers to farmers’ markets, which, in turn, helps build healthier shopping habits and the enjoyment of eating fresh, healthy produce.

Although Alchemist CDC has received a few generous donations to help keep the program going through these busy summer months, Market Match has been so successful that all funds have been expended, and the program will have to end soon, losing out on the opportunity to further build the CalFresh customer base during the peak growing season.

Alchemist CDC is reaching out to the community to ask for support to carry the Market Match program through their target date of September 15th. They estimate that they will need another $4,000 to make this happen. Every donation counts, big or small. Your tax-deductible donation can be made securely by clicking on the “donate” button on their web site. Be sure to put “Market Match” in the notes field. 100% of your Market Match donation goes directly toward healthy food purchases for low-income households.

Please share this with your Facebook friends, and feel free to spread the word via e-mail and other social media circles. Remember, every little bit helps!