The Community Farmers Market has been a staple in the Bowling Green community for over 10 years. They’ve been providing fresh produce, prepared food, and beautiful gifts while supporting the community in every feasible way. On Thursday, August 5, the market held a very successful Night Y’all market. By design, the night market fell right in the middle of National Farmers Market Week. To celebrate, they gave Food Equity awards to Glean Kentucky and others working to promote food equity in our community.
While Glean Kentucky began in 2010, the South-Central region is just under a year old. In fact, the region was established right in the middle of the changes brought by the pandemic. Against these odds, Elaine Losekamp was able to increase the amount of produce being gleaned. Elaine gleaned over 230 pounds of fresh produce during the last quarter of 2020. The second quarter of 2021 finished strong with over 270 pounds and so far this quarter we’ve already gleaned over 500 pounds of local, farm fresh produce!
Words cannot do justice to the satisfaction I feel in this new position. As I wade into the deep end of this work, I recognize how important collaboration and alliances are to this process. Each time I meet with another potential connection, I learn new pieces of the puzzle and find new ways to work with challenges. Understanding the value of collaborative relationships makes this Food Equity award, from the Community Farmers Market, all the sweeter. Thank you CFM and right back at you!