Inclusive, Accessible, and Successful: Is it Possible? ​A Case Study Analysis of How to Curate an Enduring Justice-Centered Farmers Market in Lewiston, ME​

Food Security is the physical and economic access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food at all levels of society to ensure a healthy and happy lifestyle for all people; this theme intersects with other topics such as food justice, food deserts, and food sovereignty. In the United States, 11.4 % of the population receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits (SNAP) while in Maine, 12.1% do and in Lewiston, this number more than doubles, with 24.4% of the local population receiving SNAP benefits. Thus, Lewiston, Maine provides an interesting locale to understand how the national, regional, and local food system impacts local communities. This paper examines the role that the Lewiston Farmers Markets plays in feeding the local community and sustaining local agriculture. In the face of the COVID 19 pandemic and in part due to a major location change, the Lewiston Farmers Market has experienced periods of instability in its attempt to address food insecurity. To understand how to maximize the market\u27s impact, I conducted a case study analysis on three markets in New England cities with varying similarities and differences to Lewiston. Ultimately, I am curious what characteristics the Lewiston Farmers Market might be able to embody to reach its maximum potential. In partnership with Sherie Blumenthal of St. Marys, Ben Daley of Chirp Creek Farm, Mahamed of New Roots, Jessica Bonifas of The Market @ Mill No. 5, Jinger Hallowell at the Brunswick Winter Market, and Cara Mitchell at Farm Fresh’s Providence market, I explore these topics to eventually make a recommendation for Lewiston