SHIP stories
The Statewide Health Improvement Program
(SHIP) works to improve health through
better nutrition, increased physical activity
and decreased commercial tobacco use and
exposure.
Farmers markets make healthy nutrition choices
easier by increasing access to fresh fruits and
vegetables.
• During the first three years, SHIP supported
or created 71 farmers markets
Farmers bring more fruits and
veggies to Bloomington and
Richfield
Three farmers markets in Bloomington and Richfield
have brewed a community concoction for success: food
+ people + education. Starting in spring 2012, these
farmers markets recruited local chefs and community
members to hold food demonstrations at the markets,
showcasing local produce and recipes. Presenters at
each demonstration vary. However, one local high
school student has whipped up a storm of fans with
her cooking skills and will be returning to the Richfield
market.
The food demonstrations have also built strong
connections with local businesses – in and around the
farmers markets’ communities. “While focusing on
ethnic foods, we made a cacti de salsa – a salsa that
featured cactus from a small grocer located a few
blocks from the markets,” said Huda Ahmed, Health
Specialist at Bloomington Public Health Department.
“The grocer reported increased sales of the cactus for
weeks following the demonstration.”
Updated 1/2013
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/oshii
Part of the initiative to focus on ethnic foods was to
engage new immigrants in Richfield and Bloomington
communities. “We saw a these food demos as a
perfect outlets to help introduce immigrants to farmers
markets while giving people new ideas of how to
use local produce,” reported Huda. Throughout the
season, recipes from various parts of the world will
be used to help immigrant families transition into
the US. In addition, it was important to also help
families in the community learn new recipes and
foods that are healthy and won’t break the bank. “In
all the demonstrations, we use fresh produce that is
inexpensive to show that making a healthy meal is
affordable.”
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SHIP is working to make the healthy choice the easy
choice in Minnesota. Find out how at
www.health.state.mn.us/ship