| Organization | Market Central, Inc. |
| Contact Email | cecile@marketcentralonline.org |
| Contact Phone Number | (434) 465-5874 |
| Primary Focus Area | Other |
| Primary Focus Area | farmers markets as community spaces, local food, local farms, local economy, equitable food and food-oriented business access |
| Service Areas | Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Other |
| Service Area Other | Goochland, Westmoreland, Henrico. Our vendors and customers hail mainly from central VA. |
| Year Organization Established | 2002 |
| Number of Paid Staff | 3 |
| Current Operating Budget | $50,000 |
| Board Meeting Frequency | monthly |
| City In Which Board Meetings Are Held | Charlottesville |
Board Position type
secretary, or member at large, depending on member's interests
Desired skills, perspectives, experiences, and characteristics of new board members
Market Central is currently operating a year round farmers market at Ix Art Park, a seasonal warm weather weekday market, and are looking to engage the community to tap into the opportunities that markets offer. We look to encourage the community to support local food, farms, and small businesses because of the beneficial health, environmental, economic, and social impacts.
Expertise in fundraising, and an understanding of the role markets play in the community will help grow our capacity to work toward raising awareness for public support to expand access to markets for shared benefits. We have access to a wealth of information and training through memberships in national support organizations. We are in an exciting stage of opportunity in our organization, and feel we can make some great contributions to the community if we can convey the potential positive impact of investment. Farmers markets support growing food, wealth, equity, satisfaction, and enthusiasm for life!
Annual Time Commitment (including committee meetings, special events, work outside the board, etc.)
Minimum, 30 hours/year on the administrative end; one hour each month for a board meeting, one hour each month to prepare or contribute to meetings, and an hour here and there to volunteer at a market or event. However, there is ample opportunity to participate more. Spending time at the markets and envisioning the future is irresistible!
Is a minimum financial contribution required?
No
Prior Board experience preferred?
No
Does the Board have term limits?
No
Additional Information
The Farmers Market at Ix grew out of the need of farmers, food producers, and customers to have year round access to markets and local food. When the pandemic hit, the original winter market became a year round market, and demonstrated community support for a non-profit organized and managed farmers market. The challenges facing markets today, including City Markets, are the high costs of space and land, and yet the high demand for vending opportunity. We need board members who are interested in establishing a permanent home for a local farmers market so access to local food and business development can be expanded and not disrupted. If you would like to discuss our work, please feel free to call or email. We feel we have a lot to offer the community, but need a strong team to help raise awareness and support for the opportunities.
Does The Organization have Directors & Officer's insurance?
No