Rural Action Inc

Rural Action's Project,"growing the Shawnee Farmers Market - Networking,peer Learning,and Technical Assistance Strategies to Expand Local Foods in a Destination Community," Seeks to Develop a Promising Farmers Market in Appalachian Ohio to Improve Healthy Food Access and the Local Economy. Shawnee Ohio Is Part of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds Region of Athens,hocking and Perry Counties. This Region Includes a Group of Historically Important Former Coal Towns That Have Worked to Re-build Their Historic Significance and Architecture That Dates Back to the Coal Boom of the Late 1800'S. the Shawnee Farmers Market,held Monthly in 2020 and 2021,AND Weekly in the 2010'S,IS Part of a Destination and Food Access Strategy to Support Re-development in the Area. It Is Currently Constrained by the Lack of a Formal Board,guidance Policies,comprehensive Marketing Efforts,consumer Purchasing Access Options,and a Small Pool of Growers Selling at the Market. This Project Seeks to Fill These Gaps Through Establishing a Board,creating a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy,initiating a Peer Mentoring Process With Successful Farmers Markets,offering Producer Training,diversifying Purchase Options for Consumers,and Connecting Shawnee With the Appalachian Ohio Local Food System. Outcomes Include Increased Vendor Participation,creation of a Fiduciary Board,and Producer and Consumer Access to Training and Educational Opportunities. This Will Result in Increased Access to Healthy Food and Economic Opportunities for 5,834 People in Shawnee and Surrounding Rural Communities.