Essential Ingredients Podcast 074: Empowering Farmers: Local Markets Boosting Community Food Access
"It's hard work being a farmer, and we just don't value it. And we just don't realize… that we're losing them." —Jennifer Grissom
When SNAP and EBT are in flux, local food systems become a lifeline. This episode breaks down how farmers' markets can become emergency food hubs that protect both people and producers.
Jennifer Grissom from Food Access LA shares how her nonprofit expanded market match, launched emergency food distributions, and coordinated with partners to meet urgent needs while keeping farmers paid.
Listen now to learn:
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How market match stretches SNAP and keeps choice for families
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Tactical steps for rapid food distribution that support local farmers
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How teams cut unnecessary red tape and move quickly during crises
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The long-term threat to small farmers and what communities can do today
Press play, subscribe, and leave a rating if this episode helped you understand what local food resilience looks like in practice.
Meet Jennifer:
Jennifer Grissom is the Executive Director of Food Access LA, a nonprofit organization committed to improving equitable access to fresh, nutritious foods across Los Angeles. The organization operates nine farmers' markets and leads community programs focused on nutrition education, food distribution, benefits access, and urban agriculture support. Jennifer works closely with small farmers, food vendors, and community partners to build a more resilient, people-centered local food system. Her leadership emphasizes dignity, autonomy, and sustainable economic opportunity for both families and farmers.
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Episode Highlights:
00:43 Overview of Food Access LA
04:24 Market Match and Emergency Funding Tactics
09:53 Red Tape vs. Action
11:35 Managing Demand & Communication
15:10 Planning in Uncertainty
20:22 Local Purchasing Agreements, Food Box Partnerships