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About FRESHFARM

FRESHFARM is a nonprofit based in Washington, DC, that works to create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food future. We develop innovative ways to solve critical problems across our regional food system and connect people to their food through hands-on education, farmers markets, and food distribution programs.

History

Our founders Bernadine Prince and Ann Harvey Yonkers launched FRESHFARM as a public education program of the American Farmland Trust in 1996. The next year, on July 4, 1997, they opened the Dupont Circle farmers market in Washington, DC with 15 farmers from four states selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.

Jean Wallace Douglas, remembered for her pioneering support of conservation, farmland protection, and farmers markets, provided initial funding of $50,000 for the feasibility study for a farmers market in Washington, DC in 1995. Mrs. Douglas also supported FRESHFARM’s early days with a $23,000 grant.

In 2019 Hugo Mogollon joined FRESHFARM as executive director. As part of Hugo’s new leadership of the organization, FRESHFARM merged with Community Foodworks, a peer organization which Hugo had led for 5 years, to become the largest farmers market organization in the Mid-Atlantic. Through this merger, FRESHFARM’s capacity has expanded significantly, and we aim to increase access for our community to fresh, local foods, expand food education, and transform our regional food system.

Goals

We aim to:

  • Strengthen our food economy through market-based solutions
  • Empower the next generation of eaters through education
  • Promote resilience through innovative programming

FRESHFARM H St NE farmers marketFOOD ECONOMY

FRESHFARM is the third-largest farmers market organization in the country. Our almost 30 markets draw nearly 250 farmers and food producers from across the Mid-Atlantic, who collectively earn over $15 million in revenue at market annually. The Fresh Match program matches what shoppers spend at market when they use their federal nutrition benefits, empowering low-income residents to buy local produce while providing additional revenue for local farmers and food producers. Learn more.

EDUCATION

Our innovative FoodPrints program provides comprehensive food education for more than 7,000 students in 19 DC Public Schools. Students grow, harvest, cook, and enjoy seasonal produce in hands-on lessons aligned to academic content. As a result, students are more familiar with and willing to eat nutritious foods and they look forward to FoodPrints at their “favorite day at school.” Learn more.

INNOVATION + RESILIENCE

The pioneering Pop Up Food Hub leverages farmers markets to purchase, sort, pack, and deliver fresh, nutritious food to individuals and institutions in high-need areas. The  Food Hub serves 68 community institutions, reaching over 900 seniors and families. Market Share, a weekly fruit and veggie subscription supplied by the Pop Up Food Hub, offers subsidies to those who shop with food benefits or are facing food insecurity. Learn more.