Slow Food in the Tetons - Programs & Impact Report 2023

PROGRAMS AND IMPACT REPORT 2023

INSET: Kale Society dinner

COVER: Canewater Farm | Photo: Rafe Rivers

Teton Farmer Fund grant recipient | Greenhouse building project

DEAR COMMUNITY,

In our work at Slow Food in the Tetons, we are fortunate to interface directly with all aspects of the growing local food community. From this vantage point, we see such potential for a healthy food system in which local producers are supported by local consumers, and, in turn, our community is made stronger, healthier and more resilient through the nutritional, social, economic and environmental benefits of local food production. The message presented in this Programs & Impact Report is to share with you some of these moments of reciprocity and the foods, flavors and joy that accompany this exciting time in the Teton local food movement.

One of our favorite stories from 2022 is the growth of the Teton Farmer Fund. The odds are stacked against local food producers in so many ways. Despite these hardships, there are dozens of individuals and families growing and raising some of the tastiest and healthiest food available anywhere. Through the Teton Farmer Fund grant program, Slow Food was able to award a sum total of $55,000 to 9 local farms for projects that helped increase the supply of locally grown food (see page 31 for details). By offering direct support to our food producers, we see tremendous benefits that are both far reaching and long lasting. Beyond the additional food coming out of Teton Farmer Fund projects, these amazing growers are improving all of our lives by preserving open space and habitat, maintaining community character, building topsoil, providing jobs, revitalizing communities, and strengthening our connection to our Teton area ecosystems. We are all lucky to have neighbors like these.

An equally important story from 2022 involves the rising cost of living in the Tetons, and the challenge that individuals and families face in purchasing healthy, local food. The food we find in grocery

stores is commonly cheaper than the locally grown alternative. This food is often the product of a global food system that is highly subsidized, unsustainable (think global level loss of topsoil) and, in many cases, harmful to people and the environment (think rising rates of diabetes and loss of rainforests). Last year, through the Local Food Discount Program, Slow Food distributed $50,000 worth of discounts to “anyone who finds cost to be a barrier to buying local food.” Through a sliding scale payment system, customers were given the opportunity to select a 0%, 10%, 25% or 50% discount on their food purchases. The Local Food Discount Program has been extremely successful in increasing access to local food in our community. We’re getting truly inspired feedback from users who are making delicious and nutritious food for their families, spreading the word about the program to friends and neighbors in need, and further supporting local farms and farmers (see page 29 for details).

Food is a universal need and access to good, clean and fair food should not be limited to just those who can afford it. As you will see in the following pages, this notion of “for all” permeates all three of our Program Areas at Slow Food in the Tetons: Local Food Systems, Education and Food Access. Together, these three program areas work in synergy to help create a better food system, one built on reciprocity and support in an effort to create lasting change for every member of our community.

Thank you for your support in realizing our vision of good, clean and fair food for all.

Sincerely,

Scott Steen Executive Director

VISION

Good, clean, and fair food for all.

MISSION

To grow the local and regional sustainable food economy by supporting producers, educating consumers, and connecting them together in the spirit of good, clean and fair food.

ABOUT

The Slow Food movement began in Italy in 1989 as an effort to oppose the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions and combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat. Today, Slow Food is a global initiative in over 160 countries with 150 USA chapters. Slow Food in the Tetons began in 2008, is based in Jackson, WY, and works primarily in the Teton-area food system. Slow Food envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet… “good, clean and fair for all”.

2022 Board: Brent Tyc, Shauna Lockhart, Gretchen Cherry (staff), Mari Allan (staff), Pam Case, Scott Steen (ED), Stephanie Thomas, Nora Schwartz, Julie Dery and Ali Wheeler. Not pictured: Lizzie Votruba, Turner Resor, Lina Collado, Ariel Mann

2023 Staff: Charlotte Walker (Communications and Education Manager), Gretchen Cherry (Development Director), Mari Allan Hanna (Program Director), Scott Steen (Executive Director) & Sara McIntosh (Marketplace Manager)

KALE SOCIETY

The Kale Society is for those who strongly connect with our mission and vision and would like to deepen their commitment to our organization. As we grow each year, so do our relationships with new and existing Slow Food enthusiasts. We depend on the long term commitment of our supporters in order to operate and we love to reciprocate that dedication in both meaningful and delicious ways. Please consider joining the Kale Society.

KALE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

• Two year commitment

• $2,000/year or 40 hours of volunteer time/year

KALE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• Membership Gift

• Annual Kale Society Farm Tour and Dinner

• Advanced invitation to all Slow Food events

• Free Kale at the Slow Food Farm Stand

Thank you for supporting Slow Food in the Tetons! Interested in a membership?

Please email gretchen@tetonslowfood.org

PROGRAM AREAS

Slow Food in the Tetons works to achieve its mission in three key program areas.

COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEM

Providing year-round commerce and connections for local food producers and consumers.

• Summer People’s Market

• Winter People’s Market

• Online Marketplace

• Slow Food Farm Stand

EDUCATION

Reconnecting all ages to the experience of growing, preparing, eating, sharing and enjoying food.

• Farm to Fork Festival

• Adult Cooking Classes and Workshops

• After School Kids Cooking Classes

GOOD, CLEAN & FAIR FOOD ACCESS :

Ensuring that all people can access food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.

• Jackson Hole Community Gardens

• Local Food Discount Program

• Teton Farmer Fund

FINANCES | 2022

REVENUE: $992,284

Donations: 23%

Grants: 16%

Sponsorships: 8%

Programs: 53%

EXPENSES: $951,804

Programs (and events): 87%

Admin: 6%

Fundraising: 7%

STAFF PAYROLL: $356,899

Program: 78%

Admin: 7%

Fundraising: 15%

JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY GARDEN

May Park | East Jackson Community

“The People’s Market is my favorite summer ritual – a chance to connect with friends, support our local farmers and producers, and stock up on my weekly goods. I always bike away smiling.”

- Julie Dery, Slow Food Board Member

SUMMER PEOPLE’S MARKET

The Summer People’s Market is a June - September outdoor farmer’s market in the heart of downtown Jackson that features local and regional producers and serves as an incubator for local food businesses and a gathering space for the community to celebrate good, clean and fair food.

Did you know?

• The People’s Market is a Road to Zero Waste Community Partner. The first designated Zero Waste Event certified by Teton County ISWR, the People’s Market offers 100% reusable dinnerware and composts, recycles and diverts as much waste as possible from the landfill.

• The People’s Market requires all prepared and packaged food vendors to use at least one locally sourced ingredient.

• Direct-to-consumer sales help to strengthen the connection between local food and community, provide transparency in farming and ranching practices, and create cost savings for both growers and consumers by eliminating intermediate supply chain and distribution costs.

Impact

$448,000 IN DIRECT TO CONSUMER SALES IN 2022

120+ LOCAL AND REGIONAL FARM, RANCH AND PACKAGED FOOD VENDORS FEATURED

50,000+ ATTENDEES

Program Cost: $64,500

Presenting Sponsorship: $15,000

Designated free booth spaces for local nonprofits at weekly markets

Partnerships with community events, such as Dancers

Workshop classes and Off Square Theater productions

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Mountain Standard Property

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS:

Town of Jackson, WyoFarm Composting , Center for the Arts, Snake River Brewing, Teton County ISWR/Road to Zero Waste, TC Public Library, and 100+ vendors and 50+ nonprofits per season

People’s Market Steering Committee

Winter People’s Market

WINTER PEOPLE’S MARKET

The Winter People’s Market provides shoppers with the opportunity to buy from their favorite local and regional food producers, businesses and artisans. It is an indoor in-person gathering space for the community to celebrate good, clean and fair food year round.

Impact

$60,000 IN DIRECT TO CONSUMER SALES IN 2022/23

45+ LOCAL AND REGIONAL FARM, RANCH, PACKAGED FOOD VENDORS AND ARTISANS FEATURED

1000+ ATTENDEES

Did you know?

• All packaged and prepared food vendors are required to include at least one locally sourced ingredient in their products.

• Winter People’s Markets include monthly workshops, chef’s demonstrations, book signings and other featured programs to highlight local food efforts.

• Like the summer markets, the Winter People’s Market is a zero waste event with 100% reusable dinnerware, as well as a recycling, compost, and waste diversion program.

• The People’s Market has a steering committee of dedicated vendors who help to guide market policies and long term goals.

Program Cost: $18.000

Presenting Sponsorship: $5,000

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS:

The Lodge at Jackson Hole Conference Center

“I’ve been purchasing from the Online Marketplace every week and it brings me so much joy. Just to know I have the ability to access local, healthy, fresh, delicious products is such a gift to have in a small town.”

- Kelsey, frequent OMP Shop

COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS

ONLINE MARKETPLACE

A year-round online market offering local and regional and seasonal produce, dairy, meats, packaged goods and prepared food. The Online Marketplace lists the farm name, farm location and growing practices on every product allowing shoppers to make more informed decisions. The Online Marketplace is a resource to maintain the connection between local producers and consumers throughout the year as an added convenience and complement to in-person farmers markets.

Impact

$217,000 IN FOOD SALES DIRECT TO PRODUCERS

44 LOCAL AND 16 REGIONAL FARMS, RANCHES, AND PACKAGED FOOD PRODUCERS SUPPORTED

$24,251 GIVEN THROUGH THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOUNT PROGRAM (SEE PAGE 29)

Program Cost: $293,000

Presenting Sponsorship: $10,000

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Snake River Brewing

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS:

Teton Conservation District, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, WyoFarm Composting

COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS

SLOW FOOD FARM STAND

The Slow Food Farm Stand offers fresh, seasonal produce and packaged food on behalf of small-to-medium local and regional producers. The Farm Stand lists the farm name, farm location and growing practices on every product, allowing shoppers to make more informed decisions. Shoppers line up for a chance at the first berries and other treasures of the season and to savor the flavors of summer into fall.

Impact

$129,504 IN FOOD SALES DIRECT TO FARMERS

30+ LOCAL AND REGIONAL FARMS SUPPORTED

$20,465 GIVEN THROUGH THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOUNT PROGRAM (SEE PAGE 29).

$2,056 IN LOCAL/REGIONAL FOOD DONATED TO OUR PARTNERS AT HOLE FOOD RESCUE’S SPROUT PROGRAM.

Program Cost: $197,000

Presenting Sponsorship: $7,000

“As a home cook, using the Slow Food Farm Stand to get amazing local ingredients is awesome! My food tastes better and I love supporting local farmers and ranchers.”

Karl, Frequent Farm Stand Shopper

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Wind River Capital Management (WRCM)

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS:

Snake River Brewing, Blue Spruce Cleaners, Hole Food Rescue

GREENHOUSE GROWTH

Canewater Farm | Teton Farmer Fund recipient

“I have the good fortune of working with a number of organizations in the greater Teton area, all of whom are doing amazing work for a better world. However, the ongoing efforts of Slow Food in the Tetons may well be the most widely impactful of any organization working to benefit our community - the mission of creating equity in the availability of clean, fair, locally produced food touches every one of us. The Farm to Fork Festival embodies the work of our local Slow Foods chapter, creating fun and engaging ways for the general public to learn, benefit, and give back.”

- Virginia Powell Symons, Vibrant Events JH

Photo: Lucas Ayoub

EDUCATION

FARM TO FORK FESTIVAL

A multi-day event during the second weekend in October dedicated to celebrating Teton-area cuisine, farming and ranching heritage, and the growing local food movement. The event is family friendly, open to the entire community as well as visitors, and offers a variety of free and low cost activities.

Impact

2,000+ ATTENDEES

$24,000 TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE FARM TO FORK MARKET VENDORS

Did you know?

• Establishes Jackson Hole as an agritourism destination.

• Is an economic driver for local food-based businesses.

• Builds the infrastructure of the local food system in support of local farmers and ranchers and increases the supply of fresh, seasonal, non-processed, nutrient dense food.

• Benefits the health of our community.

• Enables the community to know their farmers and become more familiar with where their food comes from.

• Offers cooking and gardening classes that empower people to spend more time in the kitchen and in the garden.

300 POUNDS OF LOCALLY SOURCED VEGETABLES USED IN OUR “RISE AND BRINE” COMMUNITY FERMENTING EFFORT

A FREE LOCALLY SOURCED LUNCH FOR 250+ PEOPLE

20+ WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Snake River Grill

PROGRAM SPONSORS: Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board, Teton Conservation District, Bank of Jackson Hole, Healthy Being Juicery & Cafe

Program Cost: $74,000

Presenting Sponsorship : $10,000

Program Sponsorship: $2,500

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Center for the Arts, Wind River Food Sovereignty Project, Native Memory Project, Anvil Hotel, Pride of Bristol Bay, Central Wyoming College, Slow Food USA, WyoFarm Composting, Vertical Harvest, Jackson Hole Stillworks, 460 Bread, Farmstead Cider, Shooting Star, Killpecker Creek Cattle Co, Sweet Cheeks Meats, Lockhart Cattle. Co, Jackson Hole Buffalo Meat Co.

EDUCATION

ADULT COOKING CLASSES

One way in which Slow Food strives to increase community wide local food access is by offering outreach and engagement opportunities. Through a partnership with Teton Literacy Center we ran a very successful seven week adult cooking class series. This series focused on learning healthy recipes and cooking seasonally with local and regional ingredients. We also provide opportunities for class members to learn to use our Local Food Discount Program through the Online Marketplace and Winter People’s Market.

Impact

15 TETON LITERACY CENTER ADULT STUDENTS TOOK SEVEN CLASSES

LOCAL INGREDIENT BOXES FROM THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE ARE SUPPLIED AT NO EXTRA COST FOR EACH STUDENT IN THE ADULT COOKING CLASSES

“This year, parents reported feeling more comfortable in the kitchen and having a more family dynamic while all working together. Parents started feeling empowered by learning to use ingredients they had never used before, and are excited about adding healthier and local ingredients to their cooking. These families learned how to access healthy and local food for a low-cost, and are excited to start using all of their new tools and techniques. Thank you Slow Food of the Tetons! We are so grateful for your support.”

Lina, Slow Food Board Member & Director of Outreach, Teton Literacy Center

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION REGARDING USAGE OF THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE AND LOCAL FOOD DISCOUNT PROGRAM IS PROVIDED

Program Cost: $6,200

Presenting Sponsorship : $5,000

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Teton Literacy Center

EACH STUDENT RECEIVES A LOCAL INGREDIENT BOX:

Example of boxes: From Wyoming: eggs, yogurt, beef.

From Idaho: garlic, potatoes, quinoa.

From Montana: squash, onions

AFTER SCHOOL KIDS COOKING CLASSES

The goal of the After School Farm-to-Table Kids Cooking

Classes are to expand student awareness and knowledge of how food is grown, develop and strengthen scratch-cooking skills, and increase enthusiasm for and consumption of healthy nutrient dense food. These classes are held online via Zoom with students successfully participating live, from their own kitchens, with instructor Ian McGregor leading them through recipes and seasonal, local food based educational programming. 3rd-8th grade students sign up for up to 3 x 7-week sessions throughout the school year, with each student participating in one 90-minute class per week.

Impact

35+ CHILDREN PER SCHOOL YEAR IN 3 SESSIONS, LASTING 7 WEEKS

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE22

LOCAL INGREDIENT BOXES FROM THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE ARE SUPPLIED AT NO EXTRA COST FOR EACH STUDENT IN AFTER SCHOOL COOKING CLASSES

Program Cost: $20,000

Presenting Sponsorship : $10,000

“I have loved Slow Foods cooking classes so much, not only because it showed me my love for cooking, but also because everyone is so kind and inviting. I loved cooking for my family every Tuesday and loved being greeted with happy faces and inviting smiles in class.” - Lena, Age 10

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

New West Knife Works

GOOD, CLEAN & FAIR FOOD ACCESS

JACKSON HOLE COMMUNITY GARDENS

The Community Gardens program provides gardening opportunities for people without home gardens, cultivates green space, builds community, increases access to fresh and healthy food, and acts as a living classroom for growers of all ages.

May Park Garden | 72 plots

Blair Garden | 54 plots Grove Garden | 24 plots

Impact

175+ GARDENING HOUSEHOLDS

OVER 2000 VOLUNTEER HOURS TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES AND SHARED PLANTING AREAS

WEEKLY GARDEN TO TABLE DONATIONS FOR THE SAGE LIVING CAFETERIA AT ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL

MONTHLY WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, AND GARDEN GATHERINGS OFFERED AT NO COST TO GARDENERS TO BUILD UPON THE INTERESTS, SKILLS AND SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT THE GARDENS

NEW - A 2023 WINTER GARDEN EVENT TO HELP PARTICIPANTS GET A JUMP ON THE GROWING SEASON

Program Cost: $54,000

Presenting Sponsorship : $3,000

PRESENTING SPONSOR: The Hub Bicycles

MULTIPLE SEED SWAP AND PLANT EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO NEW PLANT VARIETIES

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Teton Conservation District, Hole Food Rescue, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole and TOJ/TC Parks and Recreation

“I was so impressed with the sense of community I felt in the garden this year.”

- Deb Frauson

LOCAL FOOD DISCOUNT PROGRAM

The Local Food Discount Program is for anyone who finds cost to be a barrier to purchasing local and regional food. It offers several options for price reductions (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%) on food at the Online Marketplace, the Slow Food Farm Stand and most recently the Winter People’s Market. Grant funding is provided by the Hughes Charitable Foundation.

Impact

$50,000 DEDICATED TO DISCOUNTS ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD

. $20,465 IN DISCOUNTS AT THE FARM STAND

TESTIMONIALS FROM SURVEY:

“As a single mother this program has allowed me to afford quality food for my family.”

“I’m passionate about eating organically and locally whenever possible but cost is a big barrier with 3 kids to feed.”

The program… “ has enabled me to purchase food from local producers that I otherwise couldn’t afford!”

. $24,251 IN DISCOUNTS AT THE ONLINE MARKETPLACE - JUNE 1 - NOV 2022

700 TRANSACTIONS DISCOUNTED

FARMERS SAW A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN SALES AS A RESULT OF THE PROGRAM

OUT OF 92 INITIAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE USER SURVEY RESPONDENTS, 74 (80%) REPORTED THAT THE PROGRAM ENABLED THEM TO PURCHASE LOCAL/ REGIONAL ITEMS THAT OTHERWISE WOULD BE FINANCIALLY UNAVAILABLE.

Program Cost: $55,000

Presenting Sponsorship : $50,000

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Hughes Charitable Foundation

“The Teton Farm Fund Grant was instrumental in helping Winter Winds Farm achieve our grazing goals for 2022 and beyond”

- Mark Farmer, Winter Winds Farm, 2022 Teton Farmer Fund Grant Recipient

TETON FARMER FUND

This grant is awarded annually to local and regional food producers with the goal of supporting farmers and ranchers and increasing the amount of good, clean and fair food in our community. This fund will provide support for emergency relief, capital expenditures, creation of new farms/gardens, finding or maintaining workers, producer business incubation projects, and other food production projects.

In 2023, our third year of this grant, we received thirteen applications requesting a total of $106,812 in project funding. The Hughes Charitable Foundation joined Teton Conservation District as a presenting sponsor to help increase available funding to grant applicants. We distributed $55,000 in funding – five farms received total funding, and four farms received partial funding for their requests.

Impact

$3,360 GRANT TO K LAZY M RANCH TO COMPLETE A REPURPOSED GREENHOUSE

$3,000 GRANT TO WINTER WINDS FARM TO FUND A BARN PROJECT

$9,589 GRANT TO LATE BLOOMER RANCH FOR COLD STORAGE

$6,311 GRANT TO HUIDEKOPER RANCH FOR A TRAILER, A HIGH TUNNEL AND EMPLOYEE RETENTION

$10,000 GRANT TO SHOSHONE RIVER FARM TO PURCHASE A SHED

$6,370 GRANT TO CANEWATER FARM TO PURCHASE A DELIVERY VEHICLE

$6,370 GRANT TO SWEET HOLLOW FARM TO PURCHASE A DELIVERY VEHICLE

$5,000 GRANT TO LINN RANCH FOR A HOOP HOUSE BUILDING.

Program Cost: $62,000

Presenting Sponsorship : $55,000

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Hughes Charitable Foundation, Teton Conservation District, private donors

$5,000 GRANT TO THE BRIGHT SIDE ACRES (FOOD TERRA) FOR A HIGH TUNNEL GREENHOUSE

2022 Cooking & Farming Camps Location : Calico garden

Photo: Lucas Ayoub