The Anderson Area Farm & Food Association (AAFFA) will host a fresh-food drive on Tuesday at the Community Farmers Market downtown. The first ever “Market Share” event will benefit the Anderson Interfaith Ministries food bank and the local families they serve. The Community Farmers Market is located at 402 North Murray Avenue at the county market facility. Market hours are from 5-8 pm.
Market patrons will have the opportunity to pick up special donation bags for the event, to be used to shop from local vendors for fresh-picked produce. Fresh produce is often scarce in food banks, even during peak growing season when everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy tomato sandwiches, crisp green beans, juicy blueberries, and all the health benefits of fruits and veggies right off the farm. AIM will be on hand at the Healthy Community booth to talk to guests about their work and programs. Filled Market Share bags will be donated to the AIM food bank, and all shoppers who contribute will receive a free ticket for a market gift basket door prize.
AAFFA president, Brandon Grace, encourages the community to come out and support Market Share. “The Anderson community has a tradition of giving generously to our neighbors in need,” stated Grace. “Market Share is a part of AAFFA’s commitment to healthy food access for all our residents, and if successful, we hope to make the event a regular part of our Community Farmers Market programming.”
The AAFFA Community Farmers Market is hosted and managed by the Anderson Area Farm & Food Association, its mission to develop and sustain a local food system, serving the interest of all stakeholders, with respect to agricultural profitability, environmental stewardship, and the social well-being of Anderson and neighboring communities.