2022 Impact Report

AIM’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, responsible farmers, and producers as part of a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food system.

Table of Contents

A LETTER FROM THE CEO, ANDY NAJA-RIESE

It gives me immense pleasure to share our 2022 Impact Report with you. Our entire organization is about empowering our local and regional food systems, the farmers who grow our food, and the communities we serve. Promoting access to healthy, local, nutrient-dense foods among all people is a core principle at the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM). 

As we are making progress in the implementation of our Three-Year Strategic Plan, I want to highlight our collective effort in shaping a healthier, more equitable, and climate-beneficial food system. We can all eat according to our values by actively participating in our local food systems. Thank you for showing up to our certified farmers markets, educational programs, special events, and more.  

 In a time when it feels like the world around is moving online and growing increasingly disconnected, the farmers market remains an institution that connects communities and neighbors together. We grow together. We eat together. We learn together. The joy of watching a beginning farmer connect with new customers, schoolchildren learn where their food comes from, and families connect over a shared passion for local food is our impact. It belongs to all of us.  

Everyone has a role to play to positively impact people's lives and our local food systems in a time of a changing climate and worsening inequalities. I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you—our collaborators, producers, eaters, learners, donors, and policymakers—for your commitment to our local food system. I'm incredibly proud of our dedicated, hardworking AIM team for their tireless efforts to serve our community and support our farmers, food makers, and artisans, in an environment where everyone can thrive. 

We are also grateful for our collective achievements. Not only did we support over 410 small to midsize farmers, ranchers, fishers, food makers, and artisans who make their livelihood at the farmers market, but we created a consistent outlet to serve over 40,000 weekly shoppers.  

The past year also marked significant strides in our mission to fix structures that do not serve all eaters equally. Our impact runs deeper through the 47,000 shoppers who use their EBT/CalFresh benefits, and the 16 beginning farmers and food makers who received Racial Equity Fund grants to put them on a path for success and equality at farmers markets. We made progress in creating more equitable food pathways, but we know there is more to be done, and we remain committed to this cause. 

We're a fast-growing organization with big goals, namely to create a regional alternative to the large-scale industrial agriculture complex that is harming our planet. We want to preserve and expand the livelihood of small family farmers and food makers, reach more communities through inclusive partnerships, and continue to champion for food justice. Changing agricultural and food systems requires policy changes, and we commit to continuously advocating for a more resilient, equitable, healthy food system through state and local policy changes. Will you join us?  

Thank you to our incredible supporters, our hardworking team, and everyone who contributes to our shared mission. I'm excited to share our progress with you here. 


In Community,

 

  

Andy Naja-Riese 
CEO, Agricultural Institute of Marin 

2022 recipient of the CVNL Heart of Marin Award for Excellence in Leadership

Everyday is a chance to make choices, exchange ideas, and work diligently to make our local food pathways more responsible and our farming systems environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially just.

CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS

CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS

WE ARE CHAMPIONS FOR FARMERS AND FOOD JUSTICE.

We show up at the farmers markets, making sure our actions benefit the land, the people who grow our food, and the health of all communities.

AIM'S Certified Farmers Market Schedule

  • Thursday & Sunday

    8am-1pm

  • Saturday

    9am-1pm

  • Sunday

    9am-1pm

  • Sunday

    9am-2pm

  • Sunday

    9am-2pm

  • Saturday (Seasonal)

    9am-2pm

  • Saturday

    9am-2pm

  • Thursday (Seasonal)

    5:30p - 8:30p

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2022 Market Participant Totals

In 2022, we supported the livelihood of 410+ small to midsize farmers, ranchers, fishers, food makers, and artisans who participate at our farmers markets. Our market participants grow and produce food in over 40 of the 58 California counties.

  • small to midsize farmers, ranchers, fishers, food makers, and artisans livelihoods supported of those who participate at our farmers markets

  • certified farmers markets events hosted in Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Francisco, and San Rafael

  • 40,0000

    shoppers served each week across our eight farmers markets

  • visitors reached through our farmers markets and programs

FOOD ACCESS

FOOD ACCESS

We are fixing structures that do not serve all eaters equally because everyone belongs at the table. We are strengthening the communities in a gathering place for our food systems, and providing nutrition security through mobile availability and education, ensuring year-round access for farmers throughout all the seasons.

In 2022, AIM served over 47,000 shoppers who purchased foods at our certified farmers markets using their EBT/CalFresh benefits. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, and is federally known as SNAP, and formerly called food stamps.

We saw a 31% increase in EBT/CalFresh benefits redemption from the previous year. Making fresh, local food more affordable by helping shoppers increase their buying power to meet their households’ nutritional needs.

Market Match Distributed

EBT/CalFresh Distributed

Chava Vietze, AIM Volunteer at the Thursday Marin Farmers Market

“Accessing high quality food comes with privilege. We know that getting proper nutrition is directly correlated to improved wellbeing. The EBT market match program does a small part to help increase equitable access to fresh, healthy food. Time and again, customers share how impactful the program is to their lives. And that alone - is incredibly meaningful. In addition, it makes locally grown food more accessible to more people, which is beneficial to both EBT market match recipients and farmers alike.” 

  • “As a single mom of a city-raised kiddo the Market Match Program benefits our family on many levels.  As you know, Levi (who is now 17) has been coming every Sunday with me to the Stonestown Farmer’s Market. It’s a ritual that we look forward to doing together every week. 

    I love that the Market Match Program is an incentive to go to the farmer’s market and spend our Pandemic EBT funds in a much more meaningful and healthy way than otherwise.

    My son (and I!) learn about local, seasonal foods—which foods are freshest, and presumably the healthiest fruits and vegetables

    We meet the growers and their teams who can tell us about the food—how to pick the best peaches, or how we might prepare fava beans. 

    We meet the growers and their team who are just wonderful people on the front lines—like Jennifer from Simm’s, or Christi and David with Flying Disc Dates. Just, nice, friendly faces. 

    We have the option to save up our silver coins and spend them on something special that might ordinarily be out of reach like fresh pasta and sauce! Last week we bought purple asparagus from Zuckerman’s, and fresh pasta with a creme sauce from Noe Valley Pasta. It was healthy, local, delicious, and a treat!

    We are able to buy seedlings from Simm’s to have our own garden at home!  Jennifer provided helpful suggestions about which tomato varieties would grow best in our area, and be easy to care for. 

    Add on to the above—access to herbs to grow is amazing—fresh herbs are often the most expensive items to buy in the grocery store—having them in your garden—whether on a window sill or a backyard is a huge money saver, and again… super fresh!

    Levi's P-EBT cards will eventually run out. We use them exclusively at the AIM Stonestown Farmer’s Market because when I look at his account amount left on the receipt, I am grateful that we may actually have twice that to spend. 

    A couple of weeks ago, I saw a man and his 5ish-year-old son shopping at the market. The son was holding a plastic bag with the coins. I saw them at a couple of stands where I could see the son counting out the coins to give to the vendor. It was cool to think that this dad and son might have a similar ritual that Levi and I have where they go together and learn new things. What I do know about them is that the dad was giving his son the opportunity to count the coins and engage with the vendors. This isn’t something that happens when you just swipe a card at a grocery store.”

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Bounty Box

AIM Donated 4,530 free Bounty Boxes to
San Francisco and San Rafael communities experiencing food and nutrition insecurity in partnership with Enriching Lives through Music, Booker T. Washington Community Center, and Bayview Hunters Point Advocates.

Julia Dayao, Bounty Box recipient with Booker T. Washington

"The produce box that you provide is the best produce I've ever seen. There are items I have always wanted to try and now I can and it's been awesome to cook them."

We've been blessed to receive the Bounty Box and have enjoyed each and every one of the vegetables. We are a family of 5 and it is a great help [to receive the box]. There is a tremendous difference between the flavors of the fresh, organic produce i
We've been blessed to receive the Bounty Box and have enjoyed each and every one of the vegetables. We are a family of 5 and it is a great help [to receive the box]. There is a tremendous difference between the flavors of the fresh, organic produce i
We've been blessed to receive the Bounty Box and have enjoyed each and every one of the vegetables. We are a family of 5 and it is a great help [to receive the box]. There is a tremendous difference between the flavors of the fresh, organic produce i

The Rollin’ Root

The Rollin’ Root is essentially a farmers market on wheels delivering a host of farm-fresh produce to Marin County and San Francisco residents who otherwise might not have access to affordable, nutritious fruits and vegetables. Currently, Novato, San Rafael, Marin City, Fairfax, West Marin and San Francisco have existing stops on The Rollin’ Root’s route.

  • farmers supported through the Rollin’ Root program

  • shoppers served on average per month at the Rollin’ Root

  • dollars distributed in Calfresh EBT/SNAP benefits for free fruits and vegetables at the Rollin’ Root

  • dollars sold of fresh produce through the Rollin’ Root

Rollin’ into New Cities

Expanded Rollin’ Root operations bringing fresh food access to 3 new communities in San Francisco, bringing the total number of stops to 14 every week!

  • Nutrition educators visit The Rollin’ Root stops each month to share seasonal recipes and tips for incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into a healthy diet. The recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and feature items available for purchase at The Rollin’ Root. Nutrition Educators are also available to answer questions and build community around healthy eating.

  • The Rollin’ Root’s 15 Ambassadors provide an important bridge between Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) and the communities it serves. Rollin’ Root Ambassadors are enthusiastic supporters of the program and share information with their neighbors about seasonal produce, what’s available each week, tips for using new items, and reminders to shop at the Rollin’ Root. Ambassadors teach AIM about the unique needs of each community while inspiring others to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

POLICY + ADVOCACY

POLICY + ADVOCACY

We are removing barriers in the way of our collective health, lifting up the voices that are most impacted. Systemic change happens through policy work with those in the frontlines of agriculture, access, equity, and health.

  • Successfully advocated for a more climate-friendly equitable food system

    through the adoption of California Senate Bill 907 to expand access to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) services at all certified farmers markets across California in partnership with Alchemist CDC

  • Successfully advocated for the renewal of Marin County Measure A

    to support parks and open space, sustainable agriculture, and recreation in cities and towns, including a new grant program to support sustainable food systems in Marin communities

  • Successfully advocated for $709 million in funding in fiscal year 2022-2023

    through the Food and Farm Resilience Coalition, sponsored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas- for climate-smart agriculture, farmworker housing, organic transition, drought relief, wildfire prevention, composting infrastructure, healthy food access, and much more

DIGGIN' EDUCATION

DIGGIN' EDUCATION

WE ARE EDUCATORS.

We teach alongside farmers, neighbors, and intergenerational communities every day. We follow the journey from the farm to our table and celebrate land, season, and culture. Learning about local food systems is hands-on, and making information accessible to as many people as possible will strengthen our work and deepen our grasp of issues around food and climate.

  • Students, parents, and teachers served through our Diggin Education programs: at the market, in the classroom, on the farm, and at community events

  • Students participated in Diggin’ Market tours where children meet the growers and makers who feed us with Mr. Green Jeans and Ms. Blossom leading the tours at the markets

  • Diggin' Farm tours for the future generation to take a field trip to a local farm and meet a farmer-educator who will provide hands-on learning experience

Glenwood Elementary School 4th graders

“Thank you very much for coming to our school to speak to us about food insecurity and food justice! We learned so much from you and you’ve inspired us to make a positive difference in our community.” 

Children for Change (C4C)

“Thank you so much for all the ways in which you have and continue to show up for our students. You are a model of community leadership and advocacy. You are such a joy! Thank you for all the energy & learning you bring to C4C kids!” 

 

Zero Waste

Received the 2022 Green Business of the Year Award from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce;

  • StopWaste provided 10 farmers with 540 reusable containers to replace wax coated cardboard,

  • helping to divert 24,624 lbs annually from being sent to a landfill and

  • help our farmers save $51,192 annually not including disposal fees

  • recruited 2 zero waste fellows creating equitable climate action policies to our farmers markets

RACIAL EQUITY FUND

RACIAL EQUITY FUND

We are defined by a common will to take care of each other, to be healthy, nourished, and safe. This requires us to heal and identify things on a structural level that harm us and members of our community. We must reckon an agricultural past forged on inequity and we are working tirelessly to right these wrongs.

In 2022, AIM:

Advanced racial equity in our food systems by awarding 16 Racial Equity Fund startup grants to beginning Black and Brown farmers and food makers to get their start
at the farmers market.

This fund strives to reduce financial barriers to entry, by specifically supporting BIPOC farmers, food producers, and artisans who
are getting started at AIM’s farmers markets.

Imani M-Glover, The Lemonade Bar

"The racial equity fund is important for small businesses because it gives an extra boost of support and allows our team to focus on other business responsibilities besides funding. Receiving the fund also lets us know that we are doing something right and gives our team the motivation to continue providing excellent products and customer service. We are thankful from top to bottom to be considered for the fund and are looking forward to being a part of the AIM family."

Roselle Arianne Capili, Mac’d With Love

"For me personally, a person of the BIPOC/AAPI community, this fund serves as 1) financial support to continue pushing for my dream and passion and 2) reassurance that I am doing work that MATTERS. Running/owning a small business is not a societal norm for the minority community, but this fund will give a positive sign that even we can make it and become successful in our own ways."

Isaiah Powell, Dragonspunk GRO

“Food is but one component of the Farmer's Market. Perhaps equally significant is the community that coheres around the shared appreciation of fresh food and local producers. All at once, it can be church, temple, synagogue, social club, garden party, meeting place, etc. Producers bring healthy food and the patrons bring healthy social connections that are sorely needed in today's world.”

Reggie and Nicole Borders, Pound Bizness

"We would love to thank donors for supporting the program. It really means a lot to us that AIM has this campaign. We haven't seen this with other markets and it really makes a difference."

GROWING SUCCESS

GROWING SUCCESS

Providing mentoring and technical assistance to keep farmers in the fields and food makers in the kitchens, doing what they do best at the farmers markets, while we support the next generation.

Market Participant Development - Growing Success

Hosted two in-person workshops and field days for 79 producers focused on improving sales and marketing with Felice Foods and low-water farming for small family farmers with the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, UC Cooperative Extension, and Marin Resource Conservation District.

From Specialty Food Branding & Marketing workshop Attendee in March 2022:

“I'm so appreciative of the effort AIM has made to bring makers together in a relaxing environment to learn about resources available to small businesses and networking with others in person.” 

From Low-Water workshop Attendee in April 2022:

“I love the expansive educational events for farmers/vendors. This and other recent events are very meaningful: meeting fellow farmers and program administrators in a non-market setting is hugely meaningful, including making me value the version of contribution I am able to provide. Thanks to all the contributors to the event’s success and satisfaction.” 

 

FARMERS MARKET INCUBATOR BOOTH

FARMERS MARKET INCUBATOR BOOTH

We teach alongside farmers, neighbors, and intergenerational communities every day. We follow the journey from the farm to our table and celebrate land, season, and culture. Learning about local food systems is hands-on, and making information and making information accessible to as many people as possible will strengthen our work and deepen our grasp of issues around food and climate.

In collaboration with the Agricultural and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) and Kitchen Table Advisors (KTA) promoted economic security among 8 beginning certified organic farmers of color by offering financial support, market spaces, and training. Providing an opportunity to reach a wide customer base, build sales skills and experience, and increase their revenue.

The three organizations teamed up in the Spring of 2022, to design and implement a Farmers Market Incubator Booth program, a strategy to increase economic security among beginning BIPOC farmers at the Hayward, Grand Lake-Oakland, and Clement St., SF certified farmers markets. 

Over the next three years (2022 – 2024), we intend to provide financial support, market access, peer mentorship, and technical assistance to 27 BIPOC farmers.

Anna’s Organic Farms

Coronel Produce Organic Farm

Luna Dorada Organic Farm

Mimi’s Organics

Narci Organic Farms

Oaxax Organics

Solorio’s Organic Farm

Tikal Organic Farm

Promoted economic security among 8 beginning certified organic farmers of color through our Farmers Market Incubator Booth with ALBA and Kitchen Table Advisors, offering market spaces and training.

Tania Zuniga, Kitchen Table Advisors

“We are so grateful for this partnership with AIM and the opportunity for our farmers to join AIM’s markets for economic security.” 

AIM General Grants Awarded

Bank of America

CDFA California Nutrition Incentive Program (Market Match)

County of Marin

Kaiser Permanente

Marin Community Foundation Buck Family Fund

San Francisco Human Services Agency

StopWaste

Stupski Foundation

UC CalFresh Healthy Living Program (USDA SNAP-Ed)

USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant (FMPP)

USDA Local Foods Promotion Program Grant (LFPP)

USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant

2022 Financials

Revenue & Support

Expenses

Your donation can make a difference

By making a gift, you are supporting the health of local families, farmers, and soil. AIM’s farmers markets and nutrition access programs work holistically to strengthen our local food systems: providing economic stimulus to local small farmers, distributing food to families experiencing nutrition insecurity, and inspiring the next generation.

CENTER FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

CENTER FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

The time has come to build a permanent space with a vibrant public common that preserves the livelihood of small and mid-size farmers, ranchers, fishers, small food businesses and artisans, while honoring resilient and thriving local and regional food systems.

AIM is in the midst of a campaign to establish the first-of-its-kind Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA) at the Frank Lloyd Wright Marin Civic Center. A place for our beloved Marin Farmers Market to evolve to a zero-waste farmers market and educational space dedicated to a healthier food culture. This world-class hub will be
a permanent home for AIM’s markets and programs and will focus
on consumer and producer education, innovation, and advocacy, addressing vital issues such as food justice, expanding small-scale farming and food production, positively impacting the climate crisis and promoting economic opportunity for under-resourced communities.

ILLUSTRATIONS: DARYA SHNYKINA
ANIMATION: HENRIKE LENDOWSKI
MUSIC: JAPANESE GARDEN BY ALEX-PRODUCTIONS

Project at a Glance

  • • An open-air year-round farmers market three days per week with daily programming within the CFA

    • ADA accessible restrooms, hydration stations, tie-downs for market tents

    • Overhead tensile canopies with coverage to protect farmers and shoppers that are wind and fire-resistant and provide all-weather protection

  • • Indoor and outdoor dynamic learning spaces, including a teaching kitchen, classrooms and meeting spaces, and children’s play spaces

    • 900 square foot visitor center with market information, educational exhibitions, merchandise, and coffee kiosk

    • 5,750 square foot pre-fab Usonian buildings with an all-electric teaching kitchen, classrooms, and meeting spaces

  • • A pollinator corridor dedicated to supporting essential life-giving insects and birds

  • • A hub for innovative solutions to ensure community members and schools can access a safe, culturally acceptable diet

    • A transportation hub with ample bicycle parking, EV stations, and transfer link to the local SMART Train Station

  • • Gathering places for people to enjoy food, art, music, and community together

    • Educational farm gardens and climate resiliency gardens demonstrating how food grows seasonally in this bioregion using carbon farming

  • • A zero-waste market that re-defines how producers package food

    • A visitor center with digital kiosks to welcome and assist guests

  • • Solar panels to harvest energy from the sun, powering the Center and our programs (no more generators!)

  • • Food access with Calfresh, WIC, and the senior farmers market nutrition programs.

    • Partnerships to redistribute excess produce and to reduce food waste

    • Cold storage for the Rollin' Root, a mobile local food truck

    • Curbside pick-ups of the AIM bounty box, weekly produce boxes discounted for CalFresh cardholders and donated to food insecure families

Join us in bringing food, farm, and communities forward.

Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, fostering a healthier, more resilient, and equitable food system. The CFA will establish itself as a thought leader in developing an exemplary food system, setting an inspiring example for other communities to follow. With the support of our community and generous donors like you, we can make a significant impact on the future of food and agriculture in California and beyond.

Center for Food and Agriculture Giving Circle Level Supporters, Dennis and Susan Gilardi

“We feel that AIM unites us as a community in supporting our farmers and ranchers. The new Center will provide a permanent, all-weather gathering place for us to shop, taste and learn.”

GATHER FOR THE PLANET 2022

AIM’s Inaugural Gala Celebration and Fundraiser for the Future of Food

Gather for the Planet Gala Event and Fundraiser

AIM hosted our Inaugural Gala Celebration and Fundraiser for the Future of Food, a celebration that showcased the extraordinary power of local food to heal the planet. Held at San Francisco’s historic Swedish American Hall, December 3rd, 2022, the evening of culinary excellence featured stories that gave us hope for the future of food of our food system and a Fund a Need to give back to your favorite farmers market and community programs.

We raised a total of $281,000+ towards AIM’s nine award-winning farmers markets, farm-fresh nutrition access, and education programs, and the campaign to build a world-class farmers market and educational space: The Center for Food and Agriculture. Every dollar will help to ensure that our precious local food systems are strong and resilient as we face years to come. We are truly amazed by the outpouring of generosity from so many people that made this possible. This will put us on a path toward a healthier, more equitable, Earth-friendly local and regional food system. 

Thank you to our market participants: farmers, ranchers, winemakers, cheesemakers, artisans, and food purveyors, volunteers, the AIM team, contributors, and community sponsors.

Thank you to our Gala Event Sponsors

Please join us for a momentous evening to celebrate AIM’s fortieth anniversary and our future Center for Food and Agriculture. Tucked away in peaceful West Marin, let’s gather together in a bucolic setting, to foster community and celebrate the foodmakers who sustain the region’s deep soils and care for the future of our food systems. Savor an epic four-course dining journey, surrounded by visionaries, farmers, local leaders, and friends. This fundraising event features a Fund a Need and Auction to give back to your favorite farmers markets, education programs, and to expand our farm-fresh nutrition access.

Save the Date: November 4, 2023

With great appreciation to our Board of Directors

Monica Rocchino
Chair

Peggy Smith
Vice Chair

Cameron Crisman
Parliamentarian

Christopher Dacumos
Treasurer

Priscilla Lucero
Secretary

Moira Kuhn
Member

Melissa Apuya
Member

Janet Brown
Member

Adriana Silva
Member

Roberto Rodriguez
Member

Jonathan Mi
Member

Pablo Muñoz Ledo
Member

Christopher Wesley Magaña
Member

Helmut Drews
Member

Nick Petkov
Member