OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
In continuing to pursue the Cherry Street Farmers’ Market mission and goals, the Cherry Street Farmers’ Market Association has developed a two-year strategic plan. This plan serves to address our mission and goals in the following areas:
MARKETING
The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market strives to provide Oklahoma growers and producers the opportunity to directly market their agricultural products to local consumers. To that end, the market is seeking to expand the potential of the Wednesday market, located in Brookside at the northeast corner of 41st and Peoria (in the Food Pyramid parking lot). This would include assessing consumer interest in and opinion of the market and responding to market interests by potentially opening the market earlier. The market is also seeking to expand the potential of the Saturday market, located on Cherry Street (on 15th Street from S. Quaker to S. Rockford). This would include investigating the potential for opening a winter market, as well as continuing to enhance the experience of current customers. The market is also considering possible wholesale initiatives with local restaurants and/or child care centers.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market endeavors to make fresh, high quality Oklahoma agricultural products accessible to lower-income residents. To that end, the market intends to do more outreach to low-income communities about the benefits of eating fresh, local food. The market is also investigating innovative ways, such as incentive programs, to encourage eligible consumers to utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when shopping at the market. In addition, the market would like to develop its identity with low and middle income families through such avenues as recipes, e-newsletters, food demonstrations, and incentive programs.
EDUCATION
The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market works to maintain an educational forum in which materials, training and nutritional information are available to consumers and vendors regarding the uses and benefits of quality, locally grown or prepared food products. To that end, the market intends to create and maintain a social media campaign, including customer newsletters, educational materials, web site, Facebook, and Twitter. The market will also be offering more educational materials at the Market Manager’s table during market season.
DIVERSITY
The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market strives to foster an environment of understanding and respect between consumers and vendors of different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. To that end, the market wishes to create and maintain an image of ethnic inclusion by highlighting ethnic foods found at the market and by providing recipes from different countries and ethnic groups using products found at the market. It will also promote local farmers using various media, highlighting stories of their farms and specialty crops, along with photographs of said farms and crops.
IN CLOSING
Stop by for a visit this market season to see why Cherry Street Farmers’ Market—Tulsa’s oldest, largest, and most esteemed market—remains one of the must-see destinations in the state. An integral part of the Tulsa community, the Cherry Street Farmers’ Market provides fresh, healthy, and local food, personal interaction with farmers and producers, and an enchanting atmosphere with live music and other special events. The Cherry Street Farmers’ Market is a unique and satisfying way to sustain your community: come join us soon!