Farm Fresh RI Founding Partners
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is a 501c3 non-profit organization. We began in 2004 as a collaborative between:
Who's Who at Farm Fresh RI
- Noah Fulmer, Executive Director
- Jessica Gordon, Outreach Director
- Sheri Griffin, Development Director; Farmers' Market Coordinator
- Jess Knapp, Development Coordinator
- Heidi Hetzler, Nutrition Coordinator
- Louella Hill, on Sabbatical
Board of Directors
- Chase Hogoboom President
- Victoria Barbata
- Kath Connolly
- Heidi Hetzler
- Josh Miller
- Skip Paul
- Tyler Ray
- John Reimers
- Lucie Searle
About Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Mission
We are growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of Rhode Island farmers and eaters.Programs
Farm Fresh Rhode Island's overarching program strategy is to link local farmers and buyers:- We develop searchable web resources for learning about fresh foods, farms and markets in the Rhode Island region. Farmers can update the information about what they are growing and how they sell. Consumers and businesses can find out what is in season and how to get it. Our FreshLink service lets farmers tell restaurants and food service the quantities, pricing and delivery logistics for what is fresh in their fields each week.
- We strategically manage farmers' markets in Pawtucket, Woonsocket and 4 farmers' markets in Providence: Armory Park, Brown University, Hope High School and Downtown Providence at Kennedy Plaza. These markets are the crossroads of urban and rural. They give city dwellers access to fresh seasonal foods and the people who grow them. The markets give life to public spaces and offer a livelihood to farmers from across Rhode Island. We are also planning a year-round market space for local foods.
- We develop collaborations and partnerships within the Rhode Island business community around environmental sustainability, community health and good food. The Fresh Network fosters the sharing of knowledge and experience about bringing fresh seasonal foods into the kitchen. We host workshops like the Local Food Forum and harvest celebrations like the Local Food Fest to trade ideas and promote networking between farmers, advocates, chefs, schools and food service.
Vision
A New England abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinnertable.Objectives
- Preserve Rhode Island farmland and our agricultural and culinary knowledge
- Build healthier communities
- Increase access to fresher, tastier food
- Improve impact of food production and distribution on our environment
- Strengthen community-based businesses in Rhode Island