Study looks to bolster Pittsburgh farmers markets

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A national nonprofit is about to study the nearly 30 farmers markets in Pittsburgh, looking to boost their business and impact across the city.

“If the report is able to accomplish one goal, it would be that: more farmers reaching more customers in a way that makes money for farmers and gets as many Pittsburghers as possible to the markets,” said Alex Canepa, the research and education director at the Farmers Market Coalition.

City Council agreed 7-2 last week to retain the national nonprofit for a thorough analysis of the markets. The effort — not to exceed $46,000 — should deliver a growth plan to promote access to healthy food broader city plan from 2013, and to support local farmers, will promote systemic improvements according to the legislation. in the delivery

Council membersand availability of food for Theresa Kail-Smith and Darlene years. In nearly a quarter of Harris dissented, saying Pittsburgh homes, there’s the study would be a worry about where the next waste of public money. Insights meals will come from, Councilman sought in the review Dan Gilman said. ought to be available “There is the very imminent through local resources already need today,” Mr. Gilman accessible to city officials, said. He said long-term they said. changes could include more

Their problem isn’t with market participation in government improving food access, they assistance programs argued, but with the approach. and more partnerships among farmers markets, grocery

“I would take the $46,000stores and bodegas. and give it to those neighborhoods” More immediately, the that need help, Mrs. study will examine how Harris said. “I think that farmers markets contribute could help those neighborhoods to food access and how “to out rather than blowing maximize the system to that the money on a consultant.” end,” said Andrew Dash, an assistant planning director

But supporters said the for the city. He said the review study, which follows a should begin immediately, with recommendations expected in time for the 2018 market season.

“There’s always desire from communities to further expand the system. The question we’ll have to answer is, is it even feasible to expand the system?” Mr. Dash said.

He said it may be more feasible to optimize market locations, bolster promotion and strengthen access, whether through mass transit or other means. Working with a national nonprofit will help Pittsburgh explore models used in other cities, too, Mr. Dash said.

The city runs eight farmers markets through its parks department.

“I think the city government has not done nearly enough to market its farmers markets, to promote them in the community, to advertise them,” said Ken Regal, executive director at Just Harvest.

The South Side anti-hunger organization runs the Fresh Access program, which lets food stamp recipients use benefits for purchases at 19 farmers markets. About 154,000 people in Allegheny County receive food stamps, known formally as the Supplemental Nutrition AssistanceProgram.

“It’s challenging to locate successful farmers markets in deeply low-income neighborhoods,” Mr. Regal said. “Locating farmers markets wisely in places where people of all incomes can go is very important.”