What to know about Alachua County Fresh Foods Pathways Project
As part of Alachua County’s Strategic Guide and Action Plan, the Fresh Foods Pathways Project seeks to develop a Food Hub. Local farmers, institutional food purchasers and, the local community will benefit from this program. The main objectives are:
- Assess Food System Inequities
- Develop a Food Hub Model
- Support Local Farmers
- Improve Food Access
- Support Marginalized Communities
This already sounds very exciting but, how can you help? Developing a Food Hub Model is where YOU (food distributors, farmers and, the community) can help shape this initiative. To develop a Food Hub model, Alachua County is partnering with New Venture Advisors (a consulting firm) and, Grace Grows (a local community non-profit). These partners will be responsible for collecting stakeholder feedback, engaging the community, carrying out market research and, drafting a business plan for the food hub.
How to contribute?
To participate in feedback sessions, reach out to the contacts below:
- Abigail Perret-Gentil, Grace Grows Executive Director, gracegardenproject@gmail.com
- Avishai Mallinger, Project Manager, New Venture Advisors, avi@newventureadvisors.net
- Michelle DiMuzio, Project Manager, New Venture Advisors, michelle@newventureadvisors.net
- Sean McLendon, Economic Development Manager, Alachua County, smclendon@alachuacounty.us