The Share & Care Community Produce Program was established by the Nampa Farmers Market Board of Directors in 2023 in order to serve Nampa and the Greater Treasure Valley Community, providing a respite from the burden of Food Insecurity.
The USDA defines food insecurity as “…a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation for a family or can last a long time.”
At the time of this writing, Overall, there are 89,070 people in SW Idaho experiencing food insecurity. We hope to be a part of the change by providing help to those who are struggling to meet the demands of inflation and food shortages with our new program, allowing our most vulnerable (seniors and children) to redeem food for vouchers we give out over 12 weeks at the Nampa Farmers Market.
With our goal of promoting community and upholding the values of being in service to others, we have committed a portion of our market intake in 2024 to helping combat this food insecurity issue. We are also currently seeking matching funds from sponsors to help furnish the total cost of this exciting new program.
Between the months of May until October, on the First and Third Saturday of each month, from 9:00am until 11:00 am (12 Days Total) We have a set number vouchers for Kids 12 and Under at a rate of $1 each to purchase a single fresh fruit or fresh vegetable of their choice from our produce vendors. We have allotted a set number of vouchers for seniors 65 and Older at a rate of $10 each to purchase fresh fruits or fresh vegetables to help supplement their access to fresh, local produce. Any remainder of allotted vouchers per day will roll over to the next scheduled Share & Care Day.
We hope to see this program grow and watch the most vulnerable in our population thrive as we take our first steps into being part of the solution to serving our community well.