2023 has seen a whirlwind of accomplishments & challenges for Minnesota farmers' markets, with even more on the 2024 horizon. Join MFMA staff as we discuss the relationships we developed with MN Legislators to influence policy, all the TV shows, the grants designed to grow more farmers, proposed law changes, the multiple free zoominars through the Farmers' Market Academy & Cottage Foods Academy, and more.
Under "Location Categories" search by region & restaurant.
Sina W.P.
Maeve Mallozzi-Kelly
Chef Lachelle Cunningham
10:20 - 11 am
Policy Organizing 101
More and more people in MN are recognizing the health and economic benefits farmers' markets bring to their communities - and think farmers' markets could use some public investment to benefit our 375+ communities. We need to join our allies in this effort to grow MN's local foodshed. LSP's Laura Schreiber will lead us in identifying the 2024 opportunities and how we can organize to tell our story - to benefit our communities.
Cultivating Connections: Empowering Communities in the Food System
Join Chef Lachelle Cunningham for an enlightening discussion on the importance of collaboration and community networks in the food system, with a focus on the Minnesota Food Justice Network (MFJN). Discover how these collaborations foster community empowerment, support local food economies, and promote food justice. Chef Lachelle will also delve into her various initiatives, showcasing their value as resources for farmers, growers, market managers, and vendors. These initiatives include cooking workshops for their teams or communities, the development and hosting of educational programs connecting their areas with the food industry, and facilitating connections with culinary students and food entrepreneurs. Together, we'll explore a path towards a more inclusive and equitable food system.
Cooking Demo by Chef Lachelle Cunningham & Sina W.P.
LUNCH on Your Own
12:45 - 1:45 pm
Marketing Tips for Markets & Vendors
MFMA's Sina W.P. brings her passion for food and community to her story telling for MFMA. She's a whiz at social media, videos, reels, and more. She'll share proven tactics for markets & vendors to elevate their presence and increase their sales and profits.
Under "Location Categories" search by region & restaurant.
Sina W.P.
Maeve Mallozzi-Kelly
1:50 - 2:50 pm
2023 FM360 Market Metrics Sneak Peek
FM360 is Minnesota's nationally recognized farmers' markets metrics service, now in its 8th year of data collection. We'll hear summary numbers for 2023 and track the trends in MN from the beginning. Come prepared to ask the question: how does this help our market?
Accurate maps drive shoppers to your markets and helps influence public policy. Maeve will share MFMA map updates, as well as the USDA mapping tool that she's assisting in developing.
Expanding Farmers' Markets Roles in Building MN's Local Foodshed
From farmers' markets food hubs to incorporating food access programs to providing grants to farmers, learn from the markets doing innovative work to help expand MN's local foodshed.
$75 Gift Certificate from the Farmers' Market of Your Choice
Sina W.P.
Maeve Mallozzi-Kelly
Thursday
December 7
Topics
Presenters
9 - 9:15 am
Welcome & Logistics
Sina W.P.
9:15 - 10:15 am
SNAP EBT & Market Bucks Another Record High in 2023
For the 2nd year in a row, MN farmers' markets played a key role in providing local food to their communities. Jill will share the results of 2023 - and explain the changes coming with additional Markets Bucks to both markets and direct marketing farmers.
2024 Senior/Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Updates Senior/Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program overview and updates surrounding the 2024 modernization.
The Midwest Farmers of Color Collective is a collective of Black, Indigenous, Farmers of Color (BIPOC), centered on racial justice and the development of food and farming systems that honor our communities past, present, and future. Zoe will take us on a journey to explore this intersectionality in Minnesota's local foodshed.
There were a lot of 'opportunities' in 2023 for markets: heat, bad air, conflicts, wind, weather stress on your vendors, etc. This is market managers & vendors chance to crowdsource solutions!
Marketing with Minnesota Grown and How to Reach New Customers with Paid Social Media Ads
Learn about marketing resources available to markets and vendors through Minnesota Grown, including cost-shares that will reimburse 50% of the costs of certain marketing expenses, up to $3,300 per year! A new, limited-time digital marketing and e-commerce cost share will cover the costs of website design and platform costs, app and email marketing platform fees, and other digital marketing expenses.
To get your wheels turning about ways to take advantage of this opportunity, we’ll spend the second half of the session with Minnesota Grown’s digital marketing contractor Theory Z Media. They’ll walk through the basics of running paid ads on social media to reach new market customers. Topics will include content, audience selection, geographic targeting, and how to maximize results on any budget.