Today, we share with you a company that is changing the local food system -- and explaining how you can be a part of it.
We partner with Real Time Farms to help people understand where their food is coming from. And we love frequenting the Farmer’s Market to ogle beautiful produce (you’ve seen our instagrams). But we know everyone may not have a market nearby or the ability to pick up a weekly CSA box. Enter People Powered Farmers Markets, a new alternative from our friends at Farmigo, who got their start in 2009 by launching CSA management software for farmers.
Farmigo’s online marketplace allows members to order from local farms and pick up at a convenient neighborhood location. There is no weekly commitment or minimum for ordering, and orders only require two days' notice.
Start Your Own Local Food Business
Farmigo’s Champions facilitate the fostering of neighborhood hubs in their communities. Anyone can become a Champion -- it’s perfect for entrepreneurially minded individuals, who might be intimidated by all that’s involved in starting up their own business. Champions receive 10% of sales from their food communities, with a minimal time commitment. CEO Benzi Rosen explained the motivation for launching this new program: “We do 90% of the work for someone, so they can focus on what they love doing. Whether it be running a yoga studio or practicing as a nutritionist.”
Where is it happening so far?
The Champion program is kicking off in Greater New York City, Northern New Jersey, and San Francisco. A hub is just starting up at PS84 in Brooklyn, and profits from the Initiative go towards funding Wellness in the Schools (WITS), a non-profit aimed launching programs that provide and educate students about healthy foods.
Champion Vivien Moses has kids at PS84 and is an ad rep for Art in America by day. “Farmigo offers me the flexibility to build something that I believe in, and provides an offering to the community while maintaining the rest of life’s necessities. It is invigorating more than exhausting.”
We think everyone wins in this equation: farmers can focus on what they love, communities enjoy a more transparent food system, and committed individuals can earn a stream of income in the process (and of course, our recipes are even tastier).
Find out more about Farmigo and how to become a champion here.
Photos by Farmigo
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