6-7-21 BOC Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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VI. NEW BUSINESS VI.A Update on "Pilgrims of Sanford Agricultural Marketplace" Cooperative Extension Director Bill Stone introduced Kelli Laudate, Executive Director of Downtown Sanford, Inc. and Joni Martin, Board member of Downtown Sanford, Inc. who have requested to appear before the Board of Commissioners to provide an update on the "Pilgrims of Sanford Agriculture Marketplace"project and request county support for a local Foods Coordinator position affiliated with the Marketplace. Kelli Laudate stated that it was the mission of DSI to bring the Agriculture Market to downtown Sanford. Vendors have increased. Because markets were allowed to stay open during the pandemic, "Downtown Alive"was an event occurring during the second Saturdays. An average of 300-400 people came to each market. Wendy Bryan introduced the event "Strawberry Jamin"that was held in May and attended by over 700 people and many local restaurants participated. The farmers market will be not only a local hotspot but a regional hot spot. Dr. Stone stated that the vision is for this to be a signature agricultural marketplace. Three main goals are Pillar 1 increase grower profitability and small business opportunities, Pillar 2 is to promote healthy food access and reduce food insecurity, and Pillar 3 is to educate about local foods and agriculture. Pillar 1 aims to create the market as a destination for consumers. This will lead to expanded economic development and expanded opportunities for businesses and restaurants. Another aspect is a shared use commercial kitchen space. DSI would like to offer small business marketing and training. Pillar 2 would expand year around access to local foods from around the county. Being located downtown gives better access to people in the community. The Marketplace has just received a grant where funds can match consumers funds to be used at the market. Pillar 3 is to educate consumers about local foods and agriculture. Joni Martin stated that in the summer of 2020, the Market worked with SAGA amd Pilgrims Pride to get a grant to reach the Hispanic community and promote agriculture. $505,000 was received in 2021 to help with the project and they plan to open the market in the Spring 2022. Funds were also received from the Ruby and Earnest McSwain - Worthy Lands Trust to build a commercial kitchen and outdoor pavilion. The proposed location that was donated by the City of Sanford is 157 Charlotte Avenue which was previously the King Roofing Building and was identified as a location for the market expansion. The building is about 10,000 square feet. Phase 1 will remove the outside siding and asbestos abatement and will put new siding on the building, exterior lighting, electrical, access decking for farm trucks and will complete the interior of the farmers market. The wood trusses will be exposed. Phase 1 will be about 6,000 square feet and the remaining 4,000 will later be used as a commercial kitchen, classroom, a performing stage, and a restaurant. There will also be public bathrooms and an office for the local foods coordinator. The outdoor pavilion and commercial instructional facility is proposed to be constructed from donated funds. Dr. Stone requested support for a local foods coordinator to coordinate events at the market, community outreach, educational programming, advocate for local foods, and connecting populations with foods, support food based businesses, and serve as primary administrator of visit NC farms ap. The market is currently operating 8:30 - noon behind the buggy building. No action was taken. 7