Gov’t-sponsored ‘Family Market’ nets $2M in sales
The Family Market aims for the community and Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries to have access to fresh, locally grown food.
Some 55 Agriculture Department-certified farmers have seen their sales blossom since last August, through their participation in government-sponsored “Family Markets,” held regularly throughout Puerto Rico. Earlier this month, participating farmers generated $2 million in product sales through events held over a single weekend.
“The ‘Family Market’ is an additional strategy these farmers have at their disposal to expose their businesses and sell their products,” said Idalia Colón-Rondón, head of the Family Department, which is co-sponsoring these events with Agriculture.
The Family Market aims for the community and Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries to have access to fresh food, grown by farmers, while promoting self-management, economic development and healthy eating. NAP participants receive an additional cash contribution that can only be used in the market, while the general public can purchase products using cash, debit or credit.
Since August 2013, the agencies have sponsored 80 such market events in 13 towns. The goal is to expand the pilot program to benefit residents in all 78 towns, said Marta Elsa Fernández, head of the Family Department’s Socio-Economic Development Administration, known as ADSEF.
For a full schedule of upcoming Family Market events, please call 3-1-1.
