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Income and Food for the Citizens of a High Unemployed County
| Name | Robert E. Bett | | Situation | Marion County ranks highest in the state for unemployment. The people that live in the county are low income and need opportunities to make extra money as well as save on their basic needs—food. | | Response | The county agent set up an advisory committee to start the process of addressing the issues of opportunities for low income people to make and save extra money. The area we focused on is the growing and selling of fresh local produce. We targeted small “Backyard Producers”, those with 1 to 5 acres who want to grow and sell their produce locally. Through the county tax roles, we were able to invite these “Backyard Producers” to a dinner meeting to present our plans. Thirty people attended. The main speaker was Fred Broughton,SC Department of Ag. Tray Coleman, from SC Department of Ag, also made a presentation. That night we had 14 people sign up to grow produce and sell at a newly established Farmers Market. The county agent as the leader will see this market open June 23, 2007
for its second successful year. We now have tents for the venders, signage, and a part time manager (paid through funds from the SC Dept. of Ag). Both the SC Dept of Ag and Senator Kent Williams have pledged financial support. Senator Williams pledged $75,000 for a building & SC Dept of Ag for an employee. | | Impact | After participating in this Extension led effort, the producers have and will continue to earn money they otherwise couldn’t have. Secondly, the local residents, including the senior citizens that are low income, can buy locally produced fresh produce. We will utilize WIC, Senior Citizen’s program, and soon The Food Stamp card. Everyone benefits from this effort. |
Last update4/24/2008
This website is maintained by Marion County Extension.
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