2023 Impact Report
Celebrating 40 Years
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.
Andy Naja-Riece
AIM’s Chief “Eating” Officer, CEO
A LETTER FROM THE CEO, ANDY NAJA-RIESE
A year of…….
“Agriculture
is more than farming,
it’s feeding.”
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 serves 430+ farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from over 44 California counties who participate in AIM’s nine certified farmers markets in Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Rafael, and San Francisco.
The Farmers Market Family
2023 Annual Participant Summary
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small to midsize farmers, ranchers, fishers, food makers, and artisans who participate at our farmers markets
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market participants grow and produce food in over 40 of the 58 California counties
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shoppers served each week across our nine farmers markets, located in three Bay Area counties
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visitors reached through our farmers markets and programs, fostering connections between consumers and producers
FARM-FRESH NUTRITION ACCESS
Everyone belongs at the table
AIM farmers’ markets provide and equitable outlet for local communities to access healthy, nutritious foods grown on nearby farms. At AIM’s farmers markets, we accept EBT/Food stamps, and offer a “Market Match,” an incentive program which offers shoppers double value when they use EBT/Food Stamps for fruits and vegetables – up to $15 per day.
In 2023, AIM processed 44,000 EBT transactions among shoppers of low-income at our farmers markets for the purchase of free local fruits and vegetables. 89% of our participants attend the farmers market on a weekly basis.
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, and is federally known as SNAP, and formerly called food stamps.
Expanding Access to Fresh, Local Food
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
Through partnerships with County WIC and the Area Agency on Aging, AIM enables WIC families and seniors to purchase fresh produce using seasonal vouchers. Seniors also receive “Bonus Bucks” to further encourage buying local fruits and vegetables.
In 2023, AIM piloted a California Fruit and Veggie $60 program at the Grand Lake Farmers Market, testing EBT-based produce incentives. While the pilot highlighted interest, we identified technological challenges in applying this model efficiently at farmers markets.
Expanding Community Nutrition Access
AIM operated the Bounty Box, a multi-farm produce program started during the COVID-19 pandemic supporting nutrition access for communities across Marin and San Francisco.
In 2023, AIM curated, packed, and donated 4,029 free Bounty Boxes to San Francisco and San Rafael communities experiencing food and nutrition insecurity.
A Farmers Market on Wheels
AIM strengthened The Rollin’ Root, a vital mobile market delivering farm-fresh food and nutrition education to older adults and underserved communities in Marin and San Francisco counties, overcoming transportation and economic barriers.
Stocked with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and dairy from local farmers, The Rollin’ Root marked its fifth year by focusing service on low-income senior housing and areas with limited fresh food access. This year, we served approximately 7,359 participants, reaching an average of 150 people weekly.
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shoppers reached on average per week at The Rollin' Root
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older adults and residents in low-access areas served annually
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dollars distributed in Calfresh EBT benefits for free produce
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dollars sold of fresh produce through the Rollin’ Root
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.
AIM partners with local and state coalitions to advance food access
We are removing barriers to health, amplify impacted voices, and drive change through frontline policy in agriculture, equity, and access
AIM plays an active role in the Marin Food Policy Council, Marin Healthy Eating and Active Living Collaborative, California Alliance of Farmers Markets, California Food & Farm Resilience Coalition, and California Food and Farming Network to support initiatives that promote food access programming, solutions to climate change, and programs that offer financial resources for small to midsize farmers.
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Successfully secured $35 million in funding
As a member of the Save Market Match Coalition, we secured $35 million in funding for the California Nutrition Incentive Program that funds Market Match in the California State Budget for 2023-2024 with Assemblymember Phil Ting. Unfortunately, these funds are again on the chopping block in 2024-2025
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Advocated for AB 408
As a member of the Food and Farm Resilience Coalition, we-sponsored Assembly Bill 408 (Wilson) with the Food & Farm Resilience Coalition hat proposes a $3.4 billion bond for the November 2024 ballot to invest in Sustainable agriculture, Farmworker well-being, Healthy, sustainable food access, and Regional food infrastructure. This is a 2-year bill that will continue in 2024 legislative session.
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Supported AB 404 and AB 406
With CCOF, we advocated for Assembly Bill 404 (Connolly) that would streamline organic reporting requirements. Passed both the Senate and Legislature, but vetoed by the Governor. With CCOF, we co-sponsored AB 406 (Connolly) to improve the Healthy Soils Program. This is a 2-year bill that will continue in 2024 legislative session.
AIM plays an active role in the Marin Food Policy Council, Marin Healthy Eating and Active Living Collaborative, California Alliance of Farmers Markets, California Food & Farm Resilience Coalition, and California Food and Farming Network to support initiatives that promote food access programming, solutions to climate change, and programs that offer financial resources for small to midsize farmers.
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.
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Students, parents, and teachers served through our Diggin Education programs: at the market, in the classroom, on the farm, and at community events
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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
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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
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• 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
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• 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
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• A pollinator corridor dedicated to supporting essential life-giving insects and birds
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• 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
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• 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
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• A zero-waste market that re-defines how producers package food
• A visitor center with digital kiosks to welcome and assist guests
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• Solar panels to harvest energy from the sun, powering the Center and our programs (no more generators!)
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• 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