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March 31 - April 6, 2016 • Page 12A
GROWERS Continued From Page 10A
receive less than 10 percent of the overall profits
from the crops they sell.
“We’ve sold more than half a million dollars’
worth of produce,” Chanin said. “Seventy-five per
cent of that goes to the farmer, 25 percent goes
back to Global Growers. We’re turning the current
food distribution model upside down in an attempt
to create a more equitable food system that val
ues the producer.”
To help give back to the community, GGN
only sells at farmers markets that accept or dou
ble the value of food stamps. This way, Chanin
said, the nonprofit can sell products a half-price
while still giving most of the value straight back to
the farmer.
“We’re trying to develop an ecosystem that
ensures that farming can be a viable business,”
Chanin said. “It’s kind of magical, really. We’re
trying to shift the way that agriculture works in a
way that’s more supportive of its producers and
diversity.””
At the same time, according to Chanin,
Global Growers is changing the diets of its region
through health-conscious and diverse produce.
The executive director said diversity was needed
in most American diets just as much as other so
cietal aspects, something Chanin calls a “justice
issue.”
“It translates into health for our environment,
our farmers and our consumers,” Chanin said.
“Our food system is currently focused on caloric
needs, we’re focused on nutrition needs. We pro
duce enough calories to feed our community but
we do not produce enough nutrition.”
Global Growers offers gardeners and farmers the
opportunity to grow fresh produce and use them for
consumption or selling. Photo by Jessica McGowan
According to Chanin, GGN is in such high de
mand that their 20 acres are completely full. The
executive director explained that the waiting list
to start farming at one of the four sites numbers
more than 100 families.
“We’re looking to increase the amount of land
acceptable to farmers to start food production,”
Chanin said. “We’re maxed out on land. The de
mand for what we do is greater than our capacity
to meet it.”
For this reason, Chanin has been engaging
with city officials in the municipalities where gar
dens are located. She said most towns are sup
portive in providing land access and discussing
relevant issues like agriculture education.
The general public has been aiding Global
Growers through interest, volunteering, creating
more space for members, and buying food. Fi
nancial donations up to $50,000 also have been
accepted.
“People generally donate around $100,”
Chanin said. “But you’d be amazed how far the
$5, $10, and $20 donations go. It’s one of my fa
vorite things to see: people contributing what they
can. It’s important.”
Global Growers already distributes products
to such businesses as Twain’s Brewpub and Bil
liards, The SoulShine Sprouts Homesteading
Preschool, Souper Jenny, Grand Hyatt Buckhead,
Candler Park Market, Pine Street Market, Avalon
Catering, Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Murphy’s and
Garnish & Gather, but is finding more innovative
ways to move product and benefit its many refu
gee and low-income farmers.
“[Global Growers] is spending more time on
wholesale distribution in addition to direct sales,”
Chanin said.
For more information on Global Growers Net
work, including information on contributing, visit
www. globalgrowers. org.
PIGEON FORGE
TENNESSEE
Family Reunion
Workshop and
Travel Expo
APRIL 9
9 a m.
Courtyard by Marriott
130 Ciairemont Ave.
PigeonForgeReunion.com/RSVP
865-429-8606
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
will help you plan your next reunion.