Fresh take on food bears fruit

FRESH IDEAS: Alex Mendonca loads heirloom tomatoes at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
FRESH IDEAS: Alex Mendonca loads heirloom tomatoes at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Hoping to find better ways to connect farmers to consumers, Farm Fresh Rhode Island was created in 2004. But, the Farm Fresh mission goes much further than a mere connection.

“The intent was not simply to help farmers sell more products, but to encourage changes to Rhode Island’s food system,” said Jesse Rye, co-executive director at Farm Fresh. “With the vision of creating a healthier, more flavorful, diverse agricultural landscape, Farm Fresh aimed to preserve open space, protect family farms and help rebuild Rhode Island’s food infrastructure.”

Work toward that goal began via the creation of a local food guide for Rhode Islanders, chock full of the information necessary for them to become local shoppers. In addition, Farm Fresh unveiled farmers markets to connect farmers with consumers.

In a little more than 10 years, the organization has steadily grown and continued to add programs. With an anticipated budget of $2 million this year, Farm Fresh has 15 full-time and 25 part-time employees.

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Rye says the work of the organization falls under two main focus areas: food-system enterprise (earned income activities that support farmers and the organization), and community access (more traditional, nonprofit programs and activities that increase access to fresh, healthy food).

In addition to several nutritioneducation offerings, Farm Fresh created Market Mobile, an innovative, wholesale food-distribution model through which 60 family farms and small food producers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts list in-season offerings to wholesale customers in Providence, Newport, Westerly and the Boston area each week. Online ordering pools together sales, delivery and invoicing.

Farm Fresh’s Veggie Box program delivers fresh fruits and vegetables from Rhode Island and Massachusetts farms right to worksites and community centers.

“Part incubator, part activator, our organization grows the local food system by building the capacity of producers, markets and eaters,” Rye said. “We are simultaneously working to help keep farming viable in Rhode Island and also working to ensure that everyone has access to fresh, delicious local fruits and vegetables.” •

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