ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since its formation, the Adams County Farmers Market Association has made great strides in its multi-faceted mission to support local farmers, advance the success small businesses, and promote community health. Below are some of the critical accomplishments of the ACFMA towards these goals.
2020 – USDA AMS Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant
The ACFMA was awarded a Farmers Market Promotion Program grant from the USDA equalling over $93,000 over a 3-year project timeline. The grant will help the farmers market strengthen its various outreach and wellness initiatives, as well as achieve greater overall sustainability.
2020 – South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant
ACFMA was awarded a mini-grant from the South Mountain Partnership, to be used for strategic planning and board development. The grant will also be used to increase the amount of educational activities and exhibitors at the farmers market by showcasing various SMP partners during the 2021 farmers market season.
2020 – COVID-safe operations
In 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 public health crisis, farmers markets were determined by Governor Wolf to be essential businesses in the state of Pennsylvania. The ACFMA was able to launch its 2020 farmers market season with additional safety and sanitation precautions taken, and our farmers market operated safely throughout the year. Being able to operate benefited many customers in Adams County, especially those facing hunger-related issues. This was also extremely beneficial for the small businesses who relied on revenue generated from the farmers market.
2018 – USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) awarded
In 2018 the ACFMA was awarded a Rural Business Development Grant to aid in our efforts to foster local agribusinesses through capacity building and increased management support for our growing outreach and wellness initiatives. Funding from this grant will sustain critical operations through 2019.
2016 – ACFMA publishes 6-year progress report
In 2016 the Adams County Farmers Market Association published a 6-year progress report, detailing the positive impact of our organization on community health and commerce. This report has proven to be a helpful resource for sponsors, Gettysburg residents, and visitors who want to understand more about the ACFMA and our role in the community.
2014 – USDA AMS Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant awarded
In 2014 the Adams County Farmers Market, in partnership with the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP), was awarded a Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant for the purpose of increasing “domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets." The two year project succeeded in its aim to achieve key market benchmarks and expand outreach services throughout Adams, Franklin, and York Counties.
2011 – Partnered with WellSpan Health to create SNAP/EBT “Double Dollars” Program
In 2011 the ACFMA partnered with WellSpan Health to provide incentives for SNAP/EBT (formerly “food stamps”) usage at farmers markets through a Double Dollars program. The program expanded in 2015 to include a similar WIC and S/FMNP Matching Program with additional support from the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation and Healthy Adams County. The Adams County Farmers Market was among the very first farmers markets in Pennsylvania to launch a SNAP/EBT program of this type. Programs that incentivize SNAP recipients to shop at farmers markets is now a national standard, utilized by thousands of farmers markets nationwide.
2010 – Adams County Farmers Market receives funding for credit/debit and SNAP/EBT payment infrastructure
Thanks to funding from Capital RC&D, the ACFMA was able to provide wireless credit/debit services and SNAP/EBT accessibility at our farmers market starting in 2010. This was the first outreach initiative launched by the ACFMA and its program partners. The ACFMA has been able to maintain these services every market season since.
2008 – Awarded PA Department of Agriculture Direct Farm Sales Grant
In 2008 the ACFMA was awarded a series of four mini-grants from the PA Department of Agriculture to increase marketing, build capacity, develop an online presence, recruit and support new vendors, stimulate new business and develop wellness programs. These initiatives helped launch the ACFMA and allowed our organization to become what it is today.