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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOshkosh Farmers Market NarrativeSummary of the Farmers Market Renewal Project: 1.a. After 30 successful years of Oshkosh Farmers Markets (OFM), our physical assets are wearing out. If we are going to continue to provide a safe and welcoming event, we need financial support to replace our worn-out equipment. Unlike other farmers' markets, OFM does not receive any direct municipal support. With the challenges vendors face, we are concerned about maintaining cost-effectiveness for local vendors. Having a well-run, vendor-friendly market that draws thousands to the downtown area is vital. 1.b. The need for ARPA-funds is necessary to replace or upgrade our service equipment. See attached list. 1.c.&d. None 1.e. New program. 1.f. See attached. 1.g. The Market is Oshkosh’s Community Event for over 10,000 friends and neighbors to gather, celebrate, and support the community, weekly. The OFM welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. With its Bonus 10 Food Bucks Program, participants in the SNAP-benefits receive matching dollars up to a $10. This program directly supports low-income residents by stretching their food dollars each week. The Market is an incubator for new businesses. Several vendors have opened brick-and-mortar stores stemming from their success at the Market. The OFM is an economic powerhouse that generates millions of dollars in the Oshkosh economy. 1.h. Not applicable. 1.i. All participants will benefit from the ARPA-funds. The OFM needs equipment to make it work. The Summer Market is attended each week by over 10,000 people. Our SNAP-Participants see their food dollars enhanced with the matching incentive programs. 1.j. ARPA-funds are critical to helping the OFM recover from the loss of revenue that occurred during COVID-19. OFM experienced a significant drop in financial contributions during COVID-19. Due to increased costs, the OFM reluctantly raised vendor fees to offset the loss of income under COVID- 19. ARPA-funds will help OFM invest in its durable assets that are necessary to operate the Market safely and efficiently. Wagons may not be sexy but they are vital for moving garbage bins, hauling equipment, and loading produce. 1.k. In a recent-study completed by UW-Oshkosh, about 92% of Market participants are from the City of Oshkosh. Significantly 90% of SNAP recipients surveyed earned a gross household income less than $30,000. This means that the OFM is a significant source of fresh food for many low-income residents. 1.l. Not applicable 2.a. The OFM has used a "band-aid" approach in repairing or replacing equipment when needed, depending on available funds. 2.b. The OFM operates like a traveling circus. Each week from 5:00 am until 2:00 pm barricades, tents, tables, trash cans, signs, chairs, etc., must be set up and taken down. The OFM needs the right equipment to get everything in place. Two measurable outcomes for our project include: i. Enhanced safety and security with new barricades and equipment. ii. Reliable and dependable equipment to meet vendor and participant needs. 2.c The Market’s use of ARPA-funds will directly and positively impact a minimum of 12 City Sustainability objectives, including sense of community, civic pride, and economic development. 2.d. The OFM serves a diverse group of attendees. Regular participants at the Market include refugees and immigrants, low-income residents, the unhoused, single heads-of-household, and minorities. The ARPA-funds will provide a safe, prosperous, and welcoming market for all. 3.a. The OFM employs an accounting firm that produces monthly financial statements, which are Board-reviewed quarterly. The OFM is a non-profit 501(c) 4 organization. An Oshkosh Farmers Market fund is available for donations at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. 3.b. The OFM is equipped to segregate ARPA-funds for tracking and reporting purposes. 4. If our request is not fully funded, the OFM Board will prioritize its needs based on available funds and continue with the “band-aid” method of fixing or replacing. 5.a. Revenues for the Farmers Market Renewal Project would come from ARPA-funding. Expenses would be for necessary equipment. A small part of the funding requested is a one-time cost of hiring an assistant-manager this year. This position is budgeted to be funded internally in 2025. 5.b. See the Budget Sheet and attached item request list. 5.c. All purchases will be made by December 31, 2024.