The Direct Farm-to-Table Connection
“Across Rhode Island, about 40% of the population is food insecure,” says Jesse Rye, Former Executive Director, Farm Fresh Rhode Island. “Farm Fresh is trying to ensure that local farms are part of the solution. From food pantries to restaurants, farm stands to schools, we are making sure that local farmers are represented at the table.” Farm Fresh succeeds through a robust ecosystem of programs that collectively increase the availability and affordability of locally sourced foods, reduce food waste on local farms, and share knowledge of how fresh, local ingredients fit into a healthy lifestyle. They even provide a 100% matching bonus on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) purchases at farmers markets across the state.
With a loan from BlueHub Loan Fund, Farm Fresh is consolidating their operations at their central facility (which the Loan Fund helped finance in 2019); they are also installing new wayfinding signage that layers in tidbits on regional food farming and making updates to Market Mobile, their online marketplace that connects local farmers with both wholesale and retail buyers — even delivering produce directly to people’s homes.
“We are adapting to a shifting environment, building and expanding on the work we are doing for healthy food access,” Rye says. “By supporting this expansion, BlueHub has shown they are a truly supportive partner, in it for the long run.”
After the renovation, the facility will be home to retail space and Harvest Kitchen’s Local Foods Café. Harvest Kitchen is a 16-week culinary job training program that helps youth ages 16–19 involved with the RI Department of Children, Youth, and Families build confidence, develop professional skills and explore pathways into the food industry. The Local Foods Café is a large component of the program, and having the two co-located will allow the café to grow along with Harvest Kitchen’s operations. Rye continues, “We will be expanding our work making healthy school lunches. And when the café opens, people can get a bite to eat, pick up prepared meals, and learn about how to prepare affordable local produce.” Through all these efforts, Farm Fresh is creating a complete ecosystem that increases community access to healthy, locally grown foods.
