monthly news from ASAP    |   DECEMBER 2020    |    asapconnections.org

Double SNAP Increases Farmers Market Customers and Sales
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In a recent survey of markets and shoppers, ASAP found that the Double SNAP program has dramatically increased SNAP customers and sales at the eight participating farmers markets : [link removed]. The program is providing vital access to fresh, healthy food during a challenging time, as well as bringing in more income for local farmers and food businesses.
 

“The ability to stretch food budgets and increase vendor sales is obvious, but we also found that the impact goes farther than that,” says ASAP Program Director Molly Nicholie. “SNAP recipients feel empowered to make healthy food choices and to support farms in their community by having access to Double SNAP.”
 

Where comparison data is available, pre-match SNAP sales more than doubled, and in some cases tripled, the amount spent before implementing the program. According to survey responses, this is due both to an increase in food insecurity during the pandemic as well as Double SNAP drawing more shoppers to markets. Ninety-six percent of SNAP customers surveyed reported changing their shopping habits because of Double SNAP. This included shopping at farmers markets for the first time, shopping more often at farmers markets, buying more fruits and vegetables, eating a healthier diet, and a reduction in stress about grocery budgets.

 

“It has helped me immensely, not only to afford better, local food, but also to feel a part of the community,” said one survey respondent. “It is great being able to be connected with the people who go to the farmers markets as well as to be enriched by seeing the beautiful things created and grown by the people here. I have always felt seen and included by the program.”

 
Help support Double SNAP in 2021 by making a donation : [link removed] to ASAP today.



Save the Date: Business of Farming Conference Goes Virtual

Save the date! ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference : [link removed] will be held virtually in 2021, Feb. 25-27. Registration will open in January.  The annual conference brings together professional and aspiring farmers from across the Southeast to network and share resources to build viable farm businesses. Farmers will learn about marketing, business planning, branding, and management from regional experts and innovative peers. Within the virtual format, attendees will have the opportunity to meet, connect, and form supportive relationships, including the popular Grower-Buyer Meeting.  Interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities? Find out more. : [link removed] for Farmers Market Managers
: [link removed] previous years, ASAP has convened farmers market managers throughout the Appalachian Grown region for an annual summit to share resources, experiences, and best practices. This year that meeting will take place virtually on Jan. 21.
 

In addition to presentations around budgeting, fundraising, grants, promotions, and SNAP access, this year's summit will include a session on continuing to operate in COVID-19 conditions, including coping with burnout. 
 

The summit is free for market leadership, but does require registration. If you operate a farmers market within the Appalachian Grown region : [link removed] and are interested in participating, contact Farmers Market Program Manager Mike McCreary : mailto:[email protected] .



Get in the 2021 Local Food Guide + CSA Guide!
: [link removed] Guide and CSA Guide Heads up! The deadline for updating your information for ASAP's annual Local Food Guide is Jan. 31. But wait! Does your farm have a CSA? Make sure you update by Dec. 31 to be listed for free in Full Share, our CSA guide. You can do it yourself online (login here : [link removed]) or over the phone with ASAP's support team (call our dedicated Local Food Guide line at 828-419-0851). 
 
ASAP updates the Local Food Guide annually so that the community can stay up to date on how to find Appalachian Grown food and farms. (Check out our abbreviated 2020 Local Food Guide here : [link removed].)

Have a new farm, restaurant, retail outlet, or other locally sourcing food business that you want to be listed? Go to appalachiangrown.org : [link removed] and click Get in the Guide.



Call for Winter Interns
ASAP is now accepting applications : [link removed] for winter internships in local food events and promotions, communications, and farmers market support. Interning with ASAP allows students and recent graduates to gain a deeper understanding of how local food systems work and discover how their personal skills and interests can help local farms thrive and build healthier communities through connections to food. Have questions or want to apply? Visit our website : [link removed] or email [email protected] : mailto:[email protected] .



FACES OF LOCAL
Claire Danielson
: [link removed] ASAP likes to share the stories of people who are contributing to the local food system. This month we're talking to Claire Danielson, who has supported ASAP as both a donor and a volunteer for the past four years. 
 

Why is supporting ASAP important to you?

 

ASAP does so many important things in our community to help local farms and farmers connect with consumers. I've participated in the Farm Tour : [link removed], Business of Farming Conference : [link removed], Local Food Experience, CSA Fair : [link removed], and Growing Minds : [link removed] education programs. I’ve also made calls to update information in the Local Food Guide : [link removed]. I see firsthand how important and appreciated the organization is—on the farmer side and the consumer side. Supporting the local food movement is important to help our farmers make a living and keep us all fed with fresh, nutrient-dense food.
 

How have you seen the effects of ASAP's work in our community?

This may seem trivial, but when I first moved up from Atlanta, I kept seeing this green bumper sticker, "Local Food, Thousands of Miles Fresher." I'd swear it was on every third car. I was so impressed that so many folks in this community were aware of the importance of buying local food—not only aware, but willing to plaster a bumper sticker to say so! Initially, I had no idea ASAP generated the stickers. 
 

The Appalachian Grown certification program : [link removed] also helps farmers differentiate themselves. I know when I see that logo, I'm doing my part to support local farmers, and it's important to know where your food comes from!
 

Because I've been at many ASAP events over the years and met lots of local farmers and listened to consumers, I see how the conferences and programs offered by ASAP positively affect both groups. ASAP does an incredible job of maximizing their reach.
 

Beyond making a donation to ASAP, how else can people support our local food system?
 

BUY LOCAL! Go to the tailgate markets : [link removed], use the Local Food Guide : [link removed], participate in a CSA : [link removed], educate your friends and family, and support businesses that buy local. Also, volunteer for ASAP. I’ve learned so much through my association with this great group.
 

What are some of the local foods you enjoy this time of year?

All sorts of fall and winter greens, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Love those root veggies! My CSA farmer has a hoop house, so I even enjoyed some green bell peppers in the last couple weeks. Yum!

 

Find out more about how you can support ASAP's work by making a donation : [link removed] or volunteering : [link removed].

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Black-eyed Pea Hummus & Winter Market Crudité

: [link removed] peas are the traditional good-luck meal of New Year's Day, often served alongside ham hocks, cornbread, and collard greens. For a lighter take, this year try this variation on hummus and enjoy it with the best of winter market crudité. 
 
makes about 3 cups
 
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons garlic, minced1 teaspoon salt2 cups cooked black-eyed peas1 cup tahini, stirred well2 tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste)1/4 cup olive oil1/4 cup water, plus extra, if neededherbs, such as parsley, chives, or tarragon, to garnishan assortment of winter vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, cauliflower, and Belgian endive Directions:Using a food processor or blender, purée all the ingredients except for the herbs and vegetables. Add water as needed to keep the purée from becoming too thick. Clean crudité vegetables and cut into sticks or wedges.Before serving, garnish hummus with chopped herbs. Serve with crudité.Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
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Our December photo of the month comes from Erica Blumenfeld, farm manager at Eliada Homes : [link removed]. In addition to managing all agricultural aspects of Eliada's 320-acre campus, she teaches agricultural education to students in the grow dome classroom, pictured. Erica wrote this when she submitted her photo last year, but we can't think of a lovelier way to close out 2020: "We all grow through what we go through. Sunrise at the grow dome means the start of a new day, and the chance to shine brightly again."

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

ASAP in the News
Morning Ag Clips : [link removed] featured the increase in SNAP sales at farmers markets due to Double SNAP.

Smoky Mountain News : [link removed] took a look at the rise in food insecurity in Western North Carolina and talked to several organizations working to alleviate hunger in their communities. Several of ASAP's Appalachian Farms Feeding Families partnerships were featured.

The Ashe Post and Times : [link removed] also highlighted the Appalachian Farms Feeding Families program in the High Country region.

Lee's One Fortune Farm was featured by 100 Days in Appalachia : [link removed]. ASAP's Molly Nicholie provided some additional context about growing rice in the region.
 
Several publications talked to ASAP for a roundup of holiday and winter markets, including WNC Magazine : [link removed] and Mountain Xpress : [link removed].



ASAP on the Air
: [link removed]’s Growing Local audio series runs on WNCW : [link removed] on Monday mornings during Morning Edition at 8:45 a.m. Here are a few recent episodes: 
 

The End of the Growing Season at Long Family Farm : [link removed]
Local Christmas Trees Brighten the Season : [link removed] Market Managers Look Back on 2020 : [link removed] with Farmers : [link removed]
You can listen to all Growing Local episodes on SoundCloud : [link removed], iTunes : [link removed], or on ASAP's website : [link removed].



CONNECT WITH US
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asapconnections.org : [link removed] | growing-minds.org : [link removed]
appalachiangrown.org : [link removed] | fromhere.org : [link removed]
 
Donate to support local food, strong farms, and healthy communities today! : [link removed]
 
ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.



ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) - 306 W. Haywood Street - Asheville - NC - 28801

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