Corrina Smith Supporting Columbia Farmers Market

As many of you know, I’ve had the privilege of managing the Columbia Farmers Market since 2013. Over the years, the market has become an inseparable part of who I am. The vendors, staff, and customers have truly become a second family, and my passion for local food systems has grown alongside them. I deeply believe in the power of our community to feed itself with food grown right here at home.

There's a saying in the farmers market world: 'Farmers Markets don’t just happen.' It takes hard work and community support to keep the Columbia Farmers Market thriving, ensuring we can offer the incredible weekly experience that so many look forward to

I’m asking my friends and family to invest in our local food system by supporting the Columbia Farmers Market. Your contribution helps us staff the market, cover rent, run our food incentive programs, and keep vendor fees affordable, allowing more local farmers to participate.

This year, as part of the CoMoGives campaign, I’ve set a personal fundraising goal of $500 toward our overall goal of $20,000. Your support means the world to me and the entire Columbia Farmers Market community.

Continue reading to learn more about the market and the impact your donation will have on our community:

Columbia Farmers Market has been an integral part of Columbia's local food scene since 1980, promoting sustainable mid-Missouri agriculture through our 'producer-only' market held year-round. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, funded mainly by vendor fees, government grants, and sponsorships, we emphasize education, nourishment, and accessibility for our community. With a small yet dedicated staff and a volunteer Board of Directors, we strive to facilitate relationships between local producers and consumers, enriching the lives of Columbia residents and visitors. Our passion lies in sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and creating a positive impact while shaping a resilient and inclusive future for mid-Missouri's food systems. 

CFM plays a vital role as an economic driver for local farmers and producers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local food ecosystem and providing access to fresh, healthy food for all. Supporting CFM and its producers directly boosts the local economy by fostering the growth of small businesses. In 2023, CFM vendors sold nearly $4.3 million in food, infusing local rural economies, and CFM provided $155,849 in food incentives to help individuals in financial need.

Gifts support our efforts to offer food incentive programs - SNAP/WIC matching, Produce Prescriptions, Good Food Detectives club - children's activities, and support local farmers. Donating to CFM positively impacts the community, spanning economic development, food security, sustainability, and social cohesion.

YOUR IMPACT:

- $35 can provide one weekly SNAP/WIC match

- $140 can help feed a family for a month with local, nutritious food

- $20 provides ten kids with "Munch Money" to spend at the market

- $60 covers mileage to inspect a vendor within our 50-mile radius, ensuring a fair and safe market place with high quality standards

- $150 allows CFM to give out FREE samples to support our local farmers and businesses

- $300 allows market staff to dispense an average of $10,500 in tokens per market which goes directly into farmers pockets