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!

***

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.

###  

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