OUR MISSION
Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets, a 501(c)(3) organization, educates the public about the environmental and personal health benefits of eating fresh, locally grown foods, and advocates greater access to healthy food for all community members, regardless of means.
OUR VISION
Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets envisions a future where sustainable farmers are thriving. In this future, everyone — in our community and across the nation — knows who grows their food, how it’s grown, and understands why it is important. We imagine a future where all neighbors — regardless of zip code or income level — have access to locally-grown, sustainably-produced food.
OUR GOALS
1. Nourish and Help End Hunger
Strive to increase access to farmers’ markets by enabling low-income individuals to purchase healthier food items they may not usually be able to afford. We do this by offering a matching program, which doubles SNAP purchases dollar for dollar. In other words, families and Link card users can get twice the dollar value when they use their SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets in Illinois.
2. Promote Health
Educate adults and children about the health benefits of eating fresh, local, healthy foods through increased access to farmers markets. We educate about food and nutrition at Chef Demos, Farm to Fork, Truck to Table, the FEFM website, and the FEFM newsletter.
3. Boost the Economy
Strive to increase the amount of Link dollars spent, boosting the earnings of local Illinois farmers, and keep “local dollars local,” thus supporting the local economy.
4. Protect the Environment
Support local vendors who use sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, which reduces the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and yields nutrient dense fresh produce. Purchasing directly from the local farmer helps reduce the carbon footprint by conserving fuel.