2023 Impact Report
Celebrating 40 Years
AIM’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, farmers, and producers in order to create a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food and agricultural 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 440+ 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 an equitable outlet for local communities to access healthy, nutritious foods grown on nearby farms. At AIM’s farmers markets, we accept CalFresh/EBT food stamps, and offer a “Market Match,” an incentive program which offers shoppers double value for fresh 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 EBT card holders 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
CalFresh/EBT Distributed
Market Match and CalFesh/ EBT Growth Since 2020
Market Match
CalFresh / EBT
Through partnerships with County WIC and the local Area Agency on Aging, AIM enables WIC families and older adults to purchase fresh produce using seasonal vouchers. Older adults also receive “Bonus Bucks” to further encourage buying local fruits and vegetables.
In 2023, AIM piloted a California Fruit and Veggie $60 EBT 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 and reverted to traditonal market match.
THE ROLLIN’ ROOT
A Farmers Market on Wheels
In 2023, AIM strengthened its star food access program,The Rollin’ Root, a 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 select pantry items from local farmers, The Rollin’ Root marked its sixth year by focusing service on low-income senior housing and areas with limited fresh food access. This year, we served approximately 7,349 participants.
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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
FOOD POLICY
AIM partners with local and state coalitions to advance food systems changes
We are removing barriers to health, amplify impacted voices, and drive change through frontline policy in agriculture, equity, and access.
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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 Assembly-member Phil Ting.
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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, 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
AIM offers three farm-based education programs:
Diggin’ in the Classroom, Diggin’ at the Market, and Diggin’ on the Farm. Our goal is to empower youth to make healthy food choices that will positively impact their long-term health.
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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 and taste California grown foods through a tour at the farmers 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
BOUNTY BOX
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.
AIM curated, packed, and donated 4,029 free Bounty Boxes to San Francisco and San Rafael communities experiencing food and nutrition insecurity.
ZERO WASTE
AIM has a core commitment to contributing to climate crisis solutions
The "Green Team" staff members have already worked to expand AIM's food recovery programs—such as surplus food donations to community groups like ExtraFood, SF Food Runners, and Daily Bowl at the end of the market day—bring composting and recycling systems to more of our markets, and help farmers access reusable totes instead of cardboard for transporting produce.
With funding from Marin Community Foundation, we hired two Zero Waste Fellows to develop a Zero Waste Policy; focusing on reusable food ware, composting, and phasing out single use plastics.
StopWaste provided 10 farmers with funding for 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
RACIAL EQUITY AND FOOD JUSTICE
Supporting BIPOC Farmers and Makers at the Market
As part of our Path to Racial Equity, we worked to make markets more inclusive and accessible through our Racial Equity Fund that supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Farmers, Food Producers, and Artisans getting their start at the farmers market.
We awarded 9 Racial Equity Fund startup grants to beginning Black and Brown farmers and food makers to get their start at the farmers market.
INCUBATOR BOOTH
Growing Opportunities for BIPOC Farmers
We implemented the second year of our Farmers Market Incubator Booth in 2023 with Kitchen Table Advisors and ALBA, a strategy to increase economic security among beginning BIPOC farmers at the Hayward, Grand Lake, and Clement St., SF certified farmers markets. We also graduated producers from the first cohort to join farmers markets permanently or explore other sales channels.
INCUBATOR BOOTH QUOTE - Coyo Organic Farm, photo from KTA
In collaboration with the Agricultural and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) and Kitchen Table Advisors (KTA) we promoted economic security among 8 beginning certified organic farmers of color by offering financial support, market spaces, and training.
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.
ORGANIZATIONAL FUNDERS
Bank of America
CDFA CNIP (Market Match)
CDFA Healthy Refrigeration
County of Marin (Nonprofit Community Partners grant for implementation of ZeroWaste ordinance)
Marin Community Foundation Buck Family Fund
Patagonia Provisions
San Francisco Environment Department
StopWaste
Stupski Foundation
UC CalFresh Healthy Living Program (USDA SNAP-Ed)
USDA (FMPP) Farmers Market Promotion Program
USDA (LFPP) Local Food Promotion Program
2023 FINANCIALS
Revenue & Support
Expenses
GATHER FOR THE PLANET
A celebration of 40 years and Fundraiser for the Future of Food
On a memorable evening honoring AIM’s 40th anniversary, we came together to envision the future Center for Food and Agriculture. Nestled in the serene landscapes of West Marin, the gathering fostered connections and celebrated the foodmakers who nurture the region’s fertile soils and champion the future of sustainable food systems.
Gather for the Planet Gala Event and Fundraiser
AIM hosted our second annual Gala Celebration and Fundraiser for the Future of Food, a celebration that showcased the extraordinary power of local food to heal the planet. Guests delighted in an extraordinary multi-course dining experience alongside farmers, visionaries, local leaders, and friends, all united in building a healthier, more equitable food future. The inspiring fundraising event featured a lively auction and a Fund-a-Need initiative, directly supporting beloved farmers markets, AIM’s education programs, and expanded access to fresh, local nutrition for all.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $245,000+ in support of AIM’s nine award-winning farmers markets, farm-fresh nutrition access, and education programs, as well as the campaign to build the Center for Food and Agriculture—a world-class farmers market and educational space.
Every dollar contributes to strengthening and safeguarding our local food systems, ensuring they remain resilient for years to come. This remarkable achievement reflects the power of collective action and shared commitment to a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for our local and regional food systems.
We are grateful for the support that made this possible and inspired by the shared vision that drives us forward. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for food, farms, and communities.
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
Gratitude for our dedicated 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