HONESDALE, PA — At the end of 2022, The Cooperage Project secured funding through two large grants that will help support a new initiative to develop and operate a mobile farm market called the Northern Poconos Mobile Farm Market. This project is financed in part by a $35,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development through the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative. Additionally, The Cooperage Project received a $60,000 grant from the William E Chatlos Foundation to support this developing project.

The mission of the Northern Poconos Mobile Farm Market is to offer an accessible, affordable, and more equitable method for consumers to purchase fresh, local products. The vision is to connect residents with their local food system by bringing seasonal produce and local products right to their doorsteps – reducing barriers to access and providing greater purchasing power. While the mobile market will reach underserved consumers, it will also benefit small businesses and producers by reducing product loss and increasing market opportunities. Through dedicated partnerships, educational opportunities, voucher incentives, and social connection, the mobile market will connect community members to their foodscape – providing lasting benefits to our local economy and elevating our collective sense of community and place.

The Northern Poconos Mobile Farm Market aims to launch with weekly market locations in early June 2023. The mobile market program aims to serve residents of Wayne County through collaboration with partnering organizations, farmers, producers, and a network of sites. Market sites will initially be senior centers and senior/disabled housing complexes. Additional locations may include libraries, community health centers, and other areas where people gather. Customers may participate in our incentive program (NEAR Cash) that helps reduce the cost of local products being sold. The market will accept cash, check, SNAP/EBT that matches up to $10 given in NEAR Cash, and possibly the state WIC and Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Products available will include a variety of greens, root and storage vegetables, seasonal fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, meats, honey, syrup, and other products made, grown, or harvested in the Northern Poconos region.

In additional news, The Cooperage Project is now accepting applications for a Mobile

Market Manager to head up this new initiative. This is a full-time, salaried position with 40 hours a week Monday-Friday with some Saturdays required. The position starts mid-March, with the aim to launch the mobile market in June.

Please see Mobile Market Manager job posting for more information about this position. The posting and job description are on the homepage of The Cooperage Project’s website: thecooperageproject.org.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter (or any creative alternative that highlights your qualifications for this position), and three references to arrah@thecooperageproject.org with “Mobile Market Manager” and your name as the subject line.

Deadline to Apply – Friday, February 17, 2023. Tentative start date – Monday, March 13, 2023.