The Economic Development Department and the Office of Sustainability, in partnership with LIFT Orlando and Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., are requesting to:

1. Submit a 2016 Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant application; and

2. Authorize the Mayor to sign a preliminary Memorandum of  Understanding (MOU).

A USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant provides a unique opportunity for the City and its partners to engage in a number of coordinated economic development activities to increase healthy food access and local food sustainability in the West Orlando Promise Zone (WOPZ) application area (generally located south of Colonial Drive, north of L.B. McLeod Rd., east of Pine Hills Road and west of I-4). 

The purpose of the FMPP grant is to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by  assisting in the development, improvement and expansion of domestic farmers markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs and other related uses. 

The joint application will accordingly apply for up to $250,000, over three years (October 1, 2016-September 30, 2019) for the following activities:

-Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm to church program,

-Food safety/nutritious cooking classes,  and

-Up to two WOPZ area Farmers Markets 

As part of this request, and under the oversight of the Office of Sustainability, a three year, part-time contract position will be included to support the implementation of the CSA and Farmers Market activities.

These proposed activities are consistent with the City's Greenworks Plan, the City's Healthy Weight Initiative, Economic Development efforts including the Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan's Healthy Community Design principles, and the WOPZ Health component. Priority consideration will also be given by USDA to projects in areas of concentrated poverty and that involve Promise Zone Lead Applicant Organizations.

A preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among partners will also be executed. The MOU will describe the partner roles and responsibilities over a multi-year period.

No matching funds are required. The grant application is due on May 12, 2016.