Advance equity and farmers markets and help early-stage BIPOC food entrepreneurs thrive!
Establishing a thriving food business is hard, made even more so by barriers due to structural racism. You can help lower those barriers by contributing to Foodwise's Building Equity program. You'll help provide market opportunities and support for early-stage BIPOC, immigrant, and limited-resource entrepreneurs as they are building their businesses.
Each year, 40+ BIPOC-owned businesses pop up free of charge in Foodwise farmers markets for a month- to quarter-long residency and at our Pop-Ups on the Plaza events. Donating to this effort means these entpreneurs get access to free:
- Technical assistance: Foodwise works with entrepreneurs in preparing them for the market, including support around stall setup, equipment, and rules and regulations.
- Financial support: We lower financial barriers by applying for required permits, paying fees, and waiving application fees, and reducing stall fees.
- Marketing and promotion: We promote vendors across our marketing channels and offer promotional opportunities at events and programs.
As space becomes available at Foodwise farmers markets, we prioritize recruiting Building Equity participants for permanent placement. Over the years, more than a dozen of these talented food entrepreneurs have become permanent vendors!
Help BIPOC entrepreneurs thrive as their businesses are taking root. Together, we can contribute to a ddiverse, equitable, and delicious Bay Area food community.
“Being a part of Foodwise is super special. We’re a hotbed for creativity, food artisans, and proximity to really great produce. I have to pinch myself every Saturday...After being here, I can do anything.”
— Dontaye Ball, owner of Gumbo Social (show above, center, with his sons)
Your generous donation could be doubled if your employer offers a matching gift program (check here). Please let us know if you require any additional documentation to qualify for a matching contribution: give@foodwise.org
Foodwise (formerly CUESA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food (Federal Taxpayer ID Number 94-3212988; registered with the IRS as “Foodwise Community”). All donations to Foodwise are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Have questions? Please contact us: give@foodwise.org