A program of Market Umbrella. | |
Welcome to the first edition of Greauxin’ Good! We're excited to share updates from across our network, where nutrition incentive programs are connecting communities across Louisiana to fresh, local, and healthy food. With the support of our dedicated partners and staff, we’re strengthening our state’s food system one step at a time. Each issue of our newsletter will bring you practical insights from our partners, nutrition tips, opportunities to get involved, and a closer look at how we’re working to support local farmers, families, and the economy. We’re grateful to have you with us and look forward to keeping you updated as this work continues to grow! | |
2024 Legislative Advocacy
Market at the Capitol
On May 13th, 2024, Greaux the Good hosted its first Market in the Capitol in Baton Rouge! With six vendors from around Louisiana setting up shop in the Rotunda, the Capitol was buzzing with energy and the spirit of Louisiana agriculture. Hosting a market in the Capitol provided an opportunity to educate and demonstrate the power of the dollar-for-dollar match that Greaux the Good supports at farmers markets and farm stands across the state. Shoppers at the Market at the Capitol, which included community leaders, state legislators, and staff, received tokens to learn how nutrition incentive programs function and were encouraged to continue to support local agriculture by shopping with their nearest Greaux the Good partner. Thanks to the vendors who participated!
- Acadiana Growers Alliance
- Bees Are My Business
- Faust Farms
- Jubilee Justice
- Mycelium Express
- Rose Wagon Ranch
| |
Market at the Capitol (May 13th, 2024) | Market at the Capitol (May 13th, 2024) | |
|
2024 CSPI Farm Bill Hill Days
A delegation from Louisiana traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill, meeting with the state’s legislative representatives to highlight Louisiana's unique needs and how they align with national Farm Bill priorities.
The group included Chelsea Jackson, Director of Greaux the Good; Chris Muse, Market Administrator for St. Helena’s Farmers Market and owner of Muse 3 Farms, LLC; and Betty Chenier, co-owner of Chenier Farms and vendor at the Red Stick Farmers Market. Together, they emphasized the importance of policies that support local farmers, enhance food access, and strengthen Louisiana’s food systems.
This effort represents a vital step in ensuring Louisiana’s voice is heard in shaping the future of food and agriculture policy.
| |
Betty Chenier, Chelsea Jackson, and Chris Muse at the U.S. Capitol Building (September 18th, 2024) | |
Fundraising
Year 3 State Funding
Greaux the Good secured its third year of state funding with $1 million allocated in the 2024-2025 budget, thanks to the passing of ACT 776! This vital support helps families stretch their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) dollars while boosting business for local farmers and food producers. Sincere appreciation to Representative McFarland, the co-sponsors, and the state legislators for their commitment to strengthening communities. With renewed funding for Year 3, Greaux the Good can expand its reach, help more families access healthy food, and keep dollars circulating locally.
| |
Chelsea Jackson, Director of Greaux the Good, and Representative McFarland, Legislative Sponsor of Greaux the Good at Market at the Capitol (May 13th, 2024) | |
|
Region 1
- Shreveport Farmers’ Market (seasonal)
Region 2
- Armstrong Farms in Bastrop (farm stand)
- Big Daddy Farms in West Monroe (farm stand)
- Estes Farms in Ruston (farm stand)
Region 3
- Alexandria Farmers Market
- Boyce Farmers Market
- Jubilee Justice in Alexandria (farm stand)
Region 4
- Fightingville Fresh Market in Lafayette
- Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market
- Stelly's Organic Farm in Lafayette (farm stand)
| |
|
Region 5
- German Coast Farmers Markets in Destrehan & Luling*
- Red Stick Farmers Markets in Baton Rouge*
Region 6
- Camellia City Farmers Market in Slidell
- Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market
- St. Helena Farmers Market in Greensburg
Region 7
- Barcelo Gardens
- Crescent City Farmers Markets*
- Grow Dat Youth Farm
- New Orleans Food Cooperative (Co-Op)
- River Queen Greens
- Top Box Foods
- VEGGI Farmers Cooperative
*Partners have multiple locations/sites
| | |
|
What is a nutrition incentive program for Louisiana?
A nutrition incentive program, sometimes called “Market Match” or “Double Up”, provides incentives (discount or extra dollars) at the point of purchase to customers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).
While nutrition incentives are not a new concept or programming in Louisiana, Greaux the Good has increased the opportunity for entities to implement this programming and has brought consistency to pre-existing programs.
| | |
|
Rose Wagon Ranch
📍 Amite, Louisiana
Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market and Crescent City Farmers Market
Why is farming important to you?
The most important thing to all of us here at the ranch is to grow nutritionally dense food with sustainable and regenerative methods. We love to educate folks on our practices, how the importance of how their food is cared for directly affects their health, and how to do this for themselves. Farming is healing.
Favorite season
Spring - not only do we get all the flowers and produce, but we also get calves, piglets, chicks, bunnies! Everything is multiple and abundant and you can't help but be grateful during that time.
| |
|
A&A Acres
📍 Loranger, Louisiana
Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market
Why is farming important to you?
A chicken destined for the table is as entitled to sunshine, fresh grass, and fresh air as any other living creature. Their lives are valuable to our farm, and treated as so. We believe this process is more nurturing to our bodies, our community, and our environment than conventionally raised poultry. We know this is why our customers love our chickens as much as we do.
Favorite season
Spring - because who doesn't love baby chicks?
| | |
|
Give it up for Louisiana's state vegetable!
🍠 Sweet potatoes are a versatile root vegetable and nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Sweet potatoes have been cultivated in Louisiana since the 1700s, playing a vital role in the state’s agricultural and culinary history. From comforting casseroles to roasted sides, they shine in countless dishes, offering a delicious and healthy boost to your plate.
| | |
The economic impact represents the amount of money generated in Louisiana from Greaux the Good’s nutrition incentive program and was calculated based on the reported amount of incentives redeemed at partner locations ($372,908). | |
Stay in touch with Greaux the Good! |
| | | | | |
