SHIP stories
SHIP works to help support individuals
seeking to make healthy choices. One key
for SHIP efforts is working with communities
to increase access to good nutrition.
•
In its first three years, SHIP Supported
or created 71 farmers markets in
Minnesota
Business Booming in Baudette
If anyone believes that farmers markets can’t make
a difference for a community, they can go ask Lynda
Annoreno, Baudette’s Fresh Start farmers market
manager, what she has to say about that.
Baudette lies just off the Canadian border, a location
that many might assume to be a challenge for such
an endeavor. Instead, since its founding, “Fresh local
produce flies off our tables. The market place has
become a destination location,” according to Annoreno.
The market gained its footing when they received
funding from SHIP and has since become a weekly
community event providing the public with locally
harvested goods such as honey, grains, fresh eggs and
so much more.
Since its opening day in June 2012, more than 30
vendors have joined on, and the number continues to
grow. The market quickly outgrew its initial location
and is now located on the grassy area adjoining
Hometown Hardware Hank with plenty of space to
expand.
But the market is more than the sales of good food.
According to Annoreno, the market is “a place where
physical, mental and social health has been enhanced.”
Fresh Start wants to support community health by
offering new and creative incentives to help people try
different, but healthy foods. “Recipes with Roots,” for
example, is a recipe a week that incorporates a root
vegetable so people try items they wouldn’t normally
purchase. And for those who had questions regarding
their health, dietitian Gabriel Mooney from Lake Wood
Health was available to answer.
As a result, every Saturday during the summer of
2012, residents and visitors flocked to fill their bags
with delicious homemade jams, breads and other
quality items. How much? Says Annoreno, “with the
support of SHIP our first year’s farmers market
generated $250,000 in sales.”
She continues, “With the assistance and support of
SHIP our market experienced ‘freakish’ success in our
first year!”
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5/2013
The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) works to
improve health through better nutrition, increased physical
activity and decreased commercial tobacco use and
exposure. Find out more at www.health.state.mn.us/ship