WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Wednesday announced that Allen Neighborhood Center will receive $315,109 to relocate and expand the Allen Farmers Market. This investment comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers Market Promotion Program in the 2018 Farm Bill, which Senator Stabenow co-authored.

“Farmers markets spur economic development in local communities, connect more families with Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables, and create new markets for local farmers,” said Senator Stabenow. “This is a win-win for families and local food producers in Lansing.” 

“We are thrilled to receive funding from USDA's Farmers Market Promotion Program to enhance the Allen Farmers Market.  Funding will support collaboration with our newest and nearest institutional neighbors opening up  in our new Allen Place development, including ELFCO Consignment Grocery/Food Co-op, a new Ingham Health Centers Clinic, and businesses in our newly opened Accelerator Kitchen. ANC will work with these and other entities to mutually promote services and co-create events to draw new patrons to the Market. The grant also supports the use of pedicabs to give patrons that walk to the Market a lift home with their purchases, and for use in our new urban agri-tourism campaign, promoting our Hunter Park GardenHouse operations and other urban farms on Lansing's Eastside.  We so appreciate the enduring friendship and support of Senator Stabenow and her efforts to strengthen local food systems” said Joan Nelson, Director Allen Neighborhood Center. 

The new location of Allen Farmers Market will reinvigorate local food producers by offering them more opportunities to partner with businesses and customers. 

Senator Stabenow secured permanent funding in the 2018 Farm Bill for the Local Food Promotion Program.

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