Community Food Security - read the Hunger Commission's food access study and download free food access study materials including curriculum for nutrition education workshops.

Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets are an inexpensive source of healthy and delicious fruits and vegetables - all grown locally. But at the beginning of each month, an individual with food stamps has no-cost food waiting at most grocery stores. Regardless of the value and quality of farmers' market foods, a Food Stamps participant is economically forced to shop at the grocery store. For this reason, a solution must be found that allows Food Stamp participants to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at the farmers' market. Sacramento should look to other communities, such as Berkeley, to see how a centralized scrip (token) system could be developed at markets here.

For non-food stamps shoppers, farmers' markets continue to be one of the best available resources for a variety of fresh, nutritious, low-cost food. Avondale/Glen Elder could make much better use of the Florin Mall farmers' market. A Thursday morning carpool system could be arranged to help bring interested shoppers to the market. An RT bus field trip could be organized to demonstrate how to use the mass-transit system and promote bus ridership.

Community Gardens

One of Avondale/Glen Elder's greatest assets is the availability of open spaces that can be used as community gardens. The Redevelopment Advisory Committee should take steps to preserve current community garden spaces. The Lemon Hill Garden is a significant source of fresh produce for neighborhood residents; the loss of this garden would be a significant detriment to food security in the area. Community garden participation should be encouraged and promoted, particularly at the new Florin Reservoir Garden.

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