Foodwise - CUESA
CUESA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. We envision a world that nourishes all people, local economies, and the living earth.
CUESA's educational programs inspire eaters of all ages to take part in creating a fair, regenerative, and delicious food future for all, including market programs, public talks, youth programs, and more.
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Since 1994, CUESA has operated world-class farmers markets and education programs to connect eaters of all ages with fresh, local food and sustainable family farms. Its farmers markets serve thousands of Bay Area residents with fresh, local food, and provide an economic engine for more than 130 small farms and food businesses. Its education programs share practical kitchen skills while deepening urban residents' knowledge of agriculture and food system issues. Now as Foodwise, the organization is building on those strengths by deepening their commitment to equity and expanding food access and education programs.
"We cannot have a sustainable food system without an explicit commitment to equity, one that prioritizes the experiences and empowerment of groups long marginalized in the good food movement but who are vital to how we grow, make, and eat food: specifically immigrants, women, and people of color," says Foodwise's Executive Director Christine Farren, who joined CUESA in 2003 and became director in 2020. "They continue to face high barriers when starting food businesses and selling at farmers markets. With our community partners, we're working to change that at our markets, so these innovative entrepreneurs can build their businesses and thrive."
The pandemic and climate crisis have clarified the essential role of farmers markets in supporting local farms and food makers and community food security. Since 2020, CalFresh (aka Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, or food stamps) usage has more than doubled at Foodwise farmers markets. Last year, Foodwise increased the number of tokens given out via the Market Match program, which doubles shoppers' CalFresh benefits, giving an additional $15 (up from $10) to spend on fruits and vegetables for free each market day.
"We are thrilled to see more shoppers using their benefits at our markets, but also know that families still need additional help putting fresh, healthy food on the table," says Farren. "A core conviction at Foodwise is that fresh food is a right for all, not a privilege to be offered to the few. We believe farmers markets are for everyone, and it was time to make changes within our organization to see that vision become a reality."
The name Foodwise has been part of CUESA's lexicon for more than a decade, rooted in its experiential food education programs, Foodwise Kids (a farmers market field trip and cooking class for elementary school students) and Foodwise Teens (a food justice and job training program for teens. Serving more than 2,500 students from San Francisco Unified School District every year, these free programs have been a critical source of learning, wellness, and connection during the pandemic, bringing youth to the farmers market to enjoy fresh food, build community, and develop life and job skills.
The organization is also known for its free public programs for adults, like its popular farmers market cooking demos and evening talks, which bring together home cooks, local chefs, and community leaders. In-person adult programming has been on pause during the pandemic, but Foodwise is thrilled to be relaunching these programs this spring.
"The shift to Foodwise really places our educational programs at the heart of our organization," says Foodwise's Director of Education, Tiffany Chung, who joined the organization in 2021. "We believe that education is key to bringing awareness to our roles in a sustainable food system, and that the farmers market is the perfect classroom. We're excited to bring people together again to shine a light on community food wisdom, share fresh and seasonal recipes, and take action to grow a healthy and inclusive food future."
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