Organizers Plan for Local Open Farmers' Market in Southgate Shopping Plaza in Chambersburg

CONTACT:
Tonami Jones
264-4141 x. 2540

Chambersburg (January 20) - Organizers of an Open Farmers' Market in Southgate Shopping Plaza in Chambersburg announced today that a public meeting will be held on January 28th at the Wilson College library to discuss the creation of the Farmers' Market. The public meeting is intended as a gathering of individuals interested in volunteering for, and assisting with, the creation and administration of the Farmers' Market. The meeting will last from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will be held in the basement lounge of the Wilson College library. The formation of the Farmers' Market was initiated by Tonami Jones - a Wilson College student - and is supported by the Franklin County Coalition and the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. Jones explained that "the closing of County Market in the Southgate Shopping Plaza left the residents of the 3rd Ward in Chambersburg without a grocery store. This Farmers' Market seeks to partially fill that void - by providing weekly access to fresh, locally grown organic produce. Eventually, the Farmers' Market may also carry fresh, organic poultry. It's an exciting project which will provide a service to this portion of Chambersburg while emphasizing the importance of organic agriculture."

Tom Linzey, coordinator of the Franklin County Coalition, agreed with Jones, stating that "these types of local projects are essential to building a sustainable Franklin County in which communities pull together to build local alternatives." Linzey commended Jones for her leadership in initiating the project.

The meeting on January 28th is open to the general public and anyone interested in securing space allotments, learning about food stamp program guidelines, and other aspects of the Market. The organizers anticipate the creation of the Market by Spring of 2000. Speakers will also discuss the opportunity for attendees to participate in the Wilson College Food Project which seeks to build sustainable alternatives to our current food system.

Interested individuals should contact Tonami Jones at 264-4141, extension 2540 for more information about the meeting.