Did you know that by supporting Market Umbrella, you are supporting programs that help food insecure seniors and children access the healthy, local food available at the Crescent City Farmers Market and other regional farmers markets? Your support helps people like Lois.

Lois was born and raised on a farm in St. James Parish. “I’ve been eating healthy all my life,” says the self-proclaimed health fanatic and ace at money management. At age 85, Lois helps her elderly friends eat healthfully and stretch their food dollars too. She’s a regular shopper at the Crescent City Farmers Market, buying fruits and vegetables for herself and her friends who can’t make it to the market as often. “The prices are much more reasonable than at the big organic stores. And the food is fresher.” Many of her friends receive Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons and the matching funds Market Umbrella offers through its Market Match healthy food incentive program. “It is a magnificent program,” says Lois. “I buy whatever’s in season - beets, tomatoes. I love to steam fresh beets. I talk to the dietitians at the hospital when I visit my friends. Beets are very good for the elderly.”

Lois loves other things about the Crescent City Farmers Market too. Sometimes she comes and doesn’t even buy anything - she just visits with people. “Seniors aren’t into the internet or email or texting. We talk to people. We like to hear your voice” she says. “People exchange ideas and recipes under that little tent you have out there,” she adds.

We hope that you’ve had some time this year to exchange ideas and recipes under our little tent or one at your local farmers market, and we hope that you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy the great local products that farmers markets offer. We also hope that you will take this opportunity to help our seniors and our children—people like Lois—continue to enjoy the many benefits of farmers markets by making a contribution to Market Umbrella today. Your contribution will help support programs that ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to enjoy the wholesome, healthy local food available at markets like the Crescent City Farmers Market, and the strong sense of community these markets nurture.

Warm wishes for a happy holiday season,

Jonah Dowling
President

Kathryn Parker, MPH, PhD
Executive Director

marketumbrella.org is a 501[c]3 non-profit organization with Federal Tax ID #26-2477706.
Your donation may be tax deductible.
Please consult your tax advisor to make that determination.