Greaux the Good Expands with The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation
This award supports Greaux the Good’s expansion in rural, high-need areas of Louisiana.
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Media Inquiries:
media@marketumbrella.org
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New Orleans, Louisiana - January 23, 2025
Greaux the Good is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, which awarded Market Umbrella a $100,000 grant. This generous funding will allow Greaux the Good to extend its reach into rural, high-need areas across the state and support its mission of increasing access to fresh, local, and healthy food in Louisiana communities.
As part of this expansion, Greaux the Good has partnered with the Ruston Farmers Market. Shoppers using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits at the Ruston Farmers Market can now maximize their grocery budgets by receiving up to $20 in match tokens per market day, which can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible products.
Greaux the Good remains committed to empowering families to buy more fresh, local, and healthy foods while boosting business for local farmers and small-scale food producers. In Louisiana, where nearly 20% of residents rely on SNAP benefits, this partnership will help Greaux the Good extend its reach and support farmers and families across the state.
To find a partner location near you, visit www.greauxthegoodla.org/partners
For more information about Greaux the Good, Market Umbrella’s statewide nutrition incentive program, please visit www.greaxthegoodla.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Greaux the Good / Instagram: @greauxthegoodla
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About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation makes grants to improve Louisiana’s health outcomes. Its grant programs are particularly focused on the social determinants of health, which are the everyday circumstances that influence a person’s health. Since 2020, the Foundation has made more than $30 million in grants to nonprofits addressing public health, COVID-19 response, and natural disasters. The Foundation also facilitates connections between the communities, leaders, and everyday people who are working to make life better for their friends, families, and neighbors.
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About Market Umbrella
Market Umbrella is a 29-year-old nonprofit organization that operates Greaux the Good, the Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, and many food access, community nutrition, and local food system programs. Market Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella works to directly connect consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provide community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offer a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods.
For more information about Market Umbrella, please visit www.marketumbrella.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Markets / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt
Greaux the Good Announces $40/visit Match Cap for 2025
Expanding equitable access to fresh, local food for more families and farmers.
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Media Inquiries:
media@marketumbrella.org
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New Orleans, Louisiana - December 16, 2024
Beginning January 2025, Greaux the Good will implement a $40 match cap per visit for shoppers utilizing SNAP benefits at participating farmers markets. This update ensures program equity and long-term sustainability.
Since 2022, Greaux the Good has helped Louisiana families stretch their food budgets while boosting business for small-scale farmers. Implementing a SNAP match cap of $40 per visit allows the program to reach more households, strengthening farmer-consumer connections and supporting the state’s economy.
Greaux the Good matches SNAP benefits at farmers markets, farm stands, and other farm-direct businesses, making fresh, local food more accessible. The cap will allow the program to serve more participants equitably and continue its impactful work for years to come.
In recognition of unique community needs, two participating farmers markets—Alexandria Farmers Market and St. Helena Farmers Market—will continue to offer an unlimited match, ensuring that shoppers in rural, high-need areas have enhanced access to local, seasonal produce.
To find a partner location near you, visit www.greauxthegoodla.org/partners
For more information about Greaux the Good, Market Umbrella’s statewide market match nutrition incentive program, please visit www.greaxthegoodla.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Greaux the Good / Instagram: @greauxthegoodla
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About Market Umbrella
Market Umbrella is a 29-year-old nonprofit organization that operates Greaux the Good, the Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, and many food access, community nutrition, and local food system programs. Market Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella works to directly connect consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provide community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offer a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods.
For more information about Market Umbrella, please visit www.marketumbrella.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Markets / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt
Greaux the Good introduces its 2024-2025 Program Committee
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greaux the Good’s 2024-2025 Program Committee will support the growth and expansion of the program to benefit farmers and families across Louisiana
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Media Inquiries:
New Orleans, Louisiana, October 23, 2024 —
In its third fiscal year, Greaux the Good remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Louisiana farmers markets, farm stands, and other farm-direct businesses. The program is dedicated to providing support and funding for the creation or expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) incentive initiatives.
Last year, in response to the evolving needs of the program, Greaux the Good restructured the former Market Advisory Committee into the Program Committee. Greaux the Good continues to facilitate this more focused and hands-on Program Committee and is excited to announce the 2024-2025 members.
This year’s Program Committee will play a crucial role in supporting Greaux the Good staff, eligible entities, current partners, and community collaborators in many areas including marketing/communications, outreach, and technical assistance. Comprised of members from prominent food access and agricultural businesses/organizations throughout Louisiana, this committee represents a diverse range of stakeholders, bringing valuable knowledge and expertise to the table:
Marquetta Anderson, Community Relations Coordinator at the St. Helena Farmers Market
Mike Bass, Board President, Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market
Emerie Holtzclaw, Market Manager of the Shreveport Farmers’ Market
Makenzie Miller, Local Food Systems Specialist at the LSU AgCenter - Healthy Communities
Chris Muse, Market Administrator of the St. Helena Farmers Market and Owner of MUSE 3 Farms
Deirdre (Dee) Ragin, Director of Markets and Farmer Communications, Jubilee Justice, Inc.
For contact information for Greaux the Good’s Program Committee, visit https://greauxthegoodla.org/program-committee.
For more information about Greaux the Good, Market Umbrella’s statewide market match nutrition incentive program, please visit www.greaxthegoodla.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Greaux the Good / Instagram: @greauxthegoodla
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About Market Umbrella
Market Umbrella is a 29-year-old nonprofit organization that operates Greaux the Good, the Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, and many food access, community nutrition, and local food system programs. Market Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella works to directly connect consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provide community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offer a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods.
For more information about Market Umbrella, please visit www.marketumbrella.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Markets / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt
Greaux the Good Secures Third Year of State Funding
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greaux the Good Secures Third Year of State Funding
Louisiana legislature strengthens support for Louisiana farmers and families with ACT 776, a third year of state funding to help Greaux the Good reach more communities across the state. Greaux the Good funds nutrition incentive programs (SNAP/FMNP) at farmers markets, farm stands, and eligible direct-to-consumer food purveyors across Louisiana.
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Media Inquiries:
(504) 861-4485
media@marketumbrella.org
July 1, 2024 - With the executive approval of ACT 776, Greaux the Good will receive its third year of funding with an allocation in the 2024-2025 state fiscal budget in the amount of $1,000,000. Sincere appreciation to Representative McFarland, the co-sponsors, and the state legislators for their unwavering support of Greaux the Good. Their investment in farmers and families has been instrumental in this program’s mission to make a positive impact across communities in Louisiana.
Greaux the Good continues to equip and empower families to purchase more fresh, local, and healthy foods while generating more business for local farmers and qualified food businesses. Operated by Market Umbrella, a non-profit based in New Orleans, that operates the Crescent City Farmers Markets and several other fresh food access programs, Greaux the Good supports nutrition incentive programs at farmers markets, farm stands, and eligible direct-to-consumer food purveyors across the state. Shoppers who use SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and FMNP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) benefits are able to maximize their dollars through Greaux the Good.
Greaux the Good currently has sixteen (16) partners statewide and seeks to grow its network. Current partner locations and their participating nutrition incentive programs include:
SNAP Programs:
Camellia City Farmers Market in Slidell
German Coast Farmers Markets in Destrehan & Luling
Shreveport Farmers’ Market
FMNP Programs:
Berry Town Produce in Hammond & Ponchatoula
Big Daddy Farms in West Monroe
Estes Farms in Ruston
SNAP & FMNP Programs:
Alexandria Farmers Market
Armstrong Farms in Bastrop
Boyce Farmers Market
Crescent City Farmers Markets in New Orleans
Fightingville Fresh Market in Lafayette
Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market
Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market
Red Stick Farmers Markets in Baton Rouge
St. Helena Farmers Market in Greensburg
Stelly's Organic Farm in Lafayette
To find a partner location near you, utilize the Find a Partner Location Map page on the Greaux the Good website at www.greauxthegoodla.org/partner-locations. For additional details and nutrition incentive program specifications, please visit www.greauxthegoodla.org/partners.
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About Market Umbrella & The Crescent City Farmers Market
Market Umbrella is the nonprofit parent organization for the Crescent City Farmers Market, celebrating over 25 years of serving the greater New Orleans area. Market Umbrella works to directly connect New Orleans consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provides community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offers a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods. The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly farmers markets in the New Orleans area, hosting over 70 local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 100,000 shoppers annually. For information, visit www.marketumbrella.org or call (504) 861-4488. Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Market / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt
Greaux the Good Hosts Its First ‘Market at the Capitol’
Greaux the Good cultivates community connections at the Louisiana State Capitol, bringing farm-to-table economy to the Rotunda with six vendors representing markets from across the state and over 200 attendees, including legislators, staffers, and community members!
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Media Inquiries:
(504) 861-4485
media@marketumbrella.org
On May 13th, 2024, Greaux the Good hosted its first Market at the Capitol in Baton Rouge. With six vendors from around Louisiana setting up shop in the Rotunda, the Capitol was buzzing with energy and the spirit of Louisiana agriculture. Having access to fresh and seasonal produce unique to this region is important for every Louisianaian. Since 2022, Greaux the Good continues to equip and empower families to purchase more fresh, local, and healthy foods while generating more business for local farmers and qualified food businesses.
Hosting a market in the Capitol provided an opportunity to educate and demonstrate the power of the dollar-for-dollar match that Greaux the Good supports at farmers markets and farm stands across the state. Through these nutrition incentive programs, recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits can increase their grocery budget and develop healthy relationships with food and farmers. The incentive program helps farmers build their capacity to produce and sell at markets, ultimately helping to boost the local economy. At participating markets, shoppers receive Greaux the Good incentives for every program dollar that they swipe. Shoppers at the Market at the Capitol received tokens to demonstrate how the token economy functions and to encourage shopping with the local vendors.
Thanks to all of the facilitators and individuals who helped make this event possible and successful. A special thank you to our vendors who traveled from all corners of the state to participate in the Market at the Capitol:
Acadiana Growers Alliance
Bees Are My Business
Faust Farms
Jubilee Justice
Mycelium Express
Rose Wagon Ranch
Greaux the Good currently has thirteen partners statewide and seeks to assist with onboarding new eligible entities. Current partner locations and participating market match programs include: Alexandria Farmers Market, Armstrong Farms (Bastrop), Boyce Farmers Market, Camellia City Farmers Market (Slidell), Crescent City Farmers Market (New Orleans), Fightingville Fresh Market (Lafayette), German Coast Farmers Markets (Destrehan & Luling), Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market, Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market, Red Stick Farmers Markets (Baton Rouge), Shreveport Farmers Market, St. Helena Farmers Market (Greensburg), Stelly’s Organic Farm, LLC (Lafayette).
To find a partner location near you, utilize the Find a Partner Location Map page on the Greaux the Good website at www.greauxthegoodla.org/partner-locations. For additional details and market match program specifications, please visit www.greauxthegoodla.org/partners.
Greaux the Good is operated by Market Umbrella, a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans that operates the Crescent City Farmers Markets and several fresh food access programs. This program was made possible through funds allocated in the 2022-2023 state budget, which set a precedent for state support of farmers markets and farm direct businesses in Louisiana.
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About Market Umbrella & The Crescent City Farmers Market
Market Umbrella is the nonprofit parent organization for the Crescent City Farmers Market, celebrating over 25 years of serving the greater New Orleans area. Market Umbrella works to directly connect New Orleans consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provides community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offers a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods. The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly farmers markets in the New Orleans area, hosting over 70 local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 100,000 shoppers annually. For information, visit crescentcityfarmersmarket.org or call (504) 861-4488. Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Market / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt
Greaux the Good, HCR 61, moves onto House Floor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HCR 61, sponsored by Rep. Jack McFarland, aims to secure funding for a third year of Greaux the Good: a statewide nutrition incentive program that provides funding to farmers markets, farm stands, and other eligible entities to match SNAP/FMNP purchases, doubling shoppers' grocery budgets.
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Media Inquiries:
Maxwell Cohen, Communications Specialist
maxwell@marketumbrella.org
April 22, 2024 -
HCR 61, which “urges and requests the Legislature of Louisiana to support the "Greaux the Good" farmers market match program,” was introduced to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development on April 18, 2024 by Representative Jack McFarland (R) and passed favorably through the Committee. We are grateful for Representative McFarland’s hard work on this important piece of legislation and look forward to showing the legislature why Greaux the Good is Good for Farmers, and Good for Families. HCR 61 will be presented to the House floor on May 13th, coinciding with the Market at the Capitol in Memorial Hall.
Greaux the Good continues to equip and empower families to purchase more fresh, local, and healthy foods while generating more business for local farmers and qualified food businesses. Operated by Market Umbrella, a non-profit based in New Orleans, that operates the Crescent City Farmers Markets and several other fresh food access programs, Greaux the Good supports nutrition incentive programs at farmers markets and farm stands across the state. Shoppers who use SNAP and FMNP benefits are able to double their dollars through Greaux the Good, and the Market at the Capitol will help introduce the match token economy used at select partner locations.
Greaux the Good currently has thirteen partners statewide and seeks to assist with onboarding new eligible entities. Current partner locations and participating nutrition incentive programs include:
Alexandria Farmers Market
Armstrong Farms (Bastrop)
Boyce Farmers Market
Camellia City Farmers Market (Slidell)
Crescent City Farmers Market (New Orleans)
Fightingville Fresh Market (Lafayette)
German Coast Farmers Markets (Destrehan & Luling)
Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market
Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market
Red Stick Farmers Markets (Baton Rouge)
Shreveport Farmers Market
St. Helena Farmers Market (Greensburg)
Stelly’s Organic Farm, LLC (Lafayette)
To find a partner location near you, utilize the Find a Partner Location Map page on the Greaux the Good website at www.greauxthegoodla.org/partner-locations. For additional details and program specifications, please visit www.greauxthegoodla.org/partners.
This program was made possible through the support of Louisiana State legislators, which set a precedent for support of farmers markets and farm direct businesses in Louisiana and within the Southeast region.
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About Market Umbrella
Market Umbrella is the nonprofit parent organization for the Crescent City Farmers Market, celebrating over 25 years of serving the greater New Orleans area. Market Umbrella works to directly connect New Orleans consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provides community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offers a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods. The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly farmers markets in the New Orleans area, hosting over 70 local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 100,000 shoppers annually. For information, visit crescentcityfarmersmarket.org or call (504) 861-4488. Facebook: Crescent City Farmers Market / Instagram: @crescentcityfarmersmkt
Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Greaux the Good / Instagram: @greauxthegoodla / Twitter: @greauxthegoodla
Watch:
Greaux the Good introduces its 2023-2024 Program Committee
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greaux the Good introduces its 2023-2024 Program Committee
Greaux the Good’s 2023-2024 Program Committee will support the growth and expansion of the program to benefit farmers and families across Louisiana
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Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Jackson, Director of Greaux the Good
(504) 233-0324
New Orleans, Louisiana, January 10, 2024 —
In its second year of operation, Greaux the Good remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Louisiana farmers markets, farm stands, and other eligible entities. The program is dedicated to providing funding for the establishment or expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) incentive initiatives. In response to the evolving needs of the program, the Greaux the Good staff has restructured the former Market Advisory Committee into a more focused and hands-on Program Committee.
This year’s Program Committee plays a crucial role in providing support to Greaux the Good staff, eligible entities, current partners, and community collaborators in various areas including marketing/communications, outreach, and technical assistance. Comprised of members from prominent food access and agricultural businesses/organizations throughout Louisiana, this committee represents a diverse range of stakeholders, bringing valuable knowledge and expertise to the collaborative table:
Ashley Armstrong, Owner of Armstrong Farms
Makenzie Miller, Local Food Systems Specialist at the LSU AgCenter - Healthy Communities
Emerie Gentry, Market Manager of the Shreveport Farmers’ Market
Chris Muse, Market Administrator of the St. Helena Farmers Market and Owner of MUSE 3 Farms
Marquetta Anderson, Community Relations Coordinator at the St. Helena Farmers Market
Michelle Kendall, Executive Director of the Hammond Downtown Development District
Savannah Phillips, Market Manager of the Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market
For contact information for Greaux the Good’s Program Committee, visit https://greauxthegoodla.org/program-committee.
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About Market Umbrella
Market Umbrella is the nonprofit organization that operates the Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, as well as several food access and community nutrition programs that reach across the state. Market Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella works to directly connect consumers with regional farmers, fishers, and food producers; provide community education related to nutrition and healthy eating; and offer a robust array of food access programs. Market Umbrella’s work supports Southeast Louisiana foodways and culture, serves as a small business incubator and supporter of the local economy, and provides food access programs to help all New Orleanians have greater access to fresh, local foods. For more information about Greaux the Good, Market Umbrella’s statewide market match nutrition incentive program, please visit www.greaxthegoodla.org! Stay connected with us on social media: Facebook: Greaux the Good / Instagram: @greauxthegoodla / Twitter: @greauxthegoodla