Resources for Markets

As the number of farmers markets in the U.S. increases, more funding and other support opportunities to assist them are being created. PPS is working with private and public funders and organziations to further develop grant programs and resources for markets. Below are resources for markets that PPS has either helped to create or that have been created independently. For a more complete list of resources for farmers markets visit The Farmers' Market Project. The Farmers’ Market Project promotes awareness among farmers’ market managers of the increasing attention farmers’ markets are receiving, provides resources to market managers on what other markets are doing, and updates federal policy makers of the needs of farmers’ markets with data collected from surveys and other sources.

Kaiser Permanente Farmers Market Resource Guide
Information on the national health care provider, Kaiser Permanente's, Farmers Market initiative and ideas for innovative ways that farmers markets, hospitals, and health organizations can work together.
Farmers Market Resource Guide
A list of grants, programs, and other financial and information resources available from public and private organizations, published by the Farmers Market Consortium (FMC), a new collaborative effort between USDA and government agencies, the Project for Public Spaces, and private foundations.
Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Funding Opportunity
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of USDA announced the availability of approximately $1 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2007 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, community supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures. The maximum award per grant is $75,000.
2006 Request for Applications for Community Outreach and Assistance Partnerships, Risk Management Agency (RMA)
The Risk Management Agency, Community Outreach and Assistance Partnership Program announced a Request For Applications (RFA) and the availability of approximately $5 million in fiscal year (FY) 2006 for collaborative outreach and assistance programs for women, limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally under-served farmers and ranchers, who produce Priority Commodities (follow the above link to see how Priority Commodities are defined in the RFA.)
Food Stamp Outreach Grant Opportunity
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has released a request for applications for food stamp outreach grants for fiscal year 2006. The purpose of the grants is to implement and study effective strategies to inform and educate potentially eligible low income people not currently participating in the FSP about the nutrition benefits of the Food Stamp Program, eligibility rules, and how to apply. At least $1 million, contingent upon availability, is available for grant awards under this competition. The maximum grant award is $75,000. Read the RFA by clicking on the link above.
Community Services Block Grant Program --Operational Projects
The Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will award Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds for operational projects to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) experienced in implementing economic development projects. The purpose of these grants is to create new employment and business development opportunities for low-income individuals. Funding from this grant program is primarily for large public market projects and has previously been awarded to PPS Market grantees - East Harlem Business Capital Corporation for La Marqueta in East Harlem and the Global Market in Minneapolis.