The Food Trust

On Friday, October 2nd, The Food Trust was proud to join the West Chester Cooperative for it’s grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was a celebration of 11 years of hard work by the residents of West Chester to bring a new full-service grocery store that would be owned by the community, support local farmers and producers, and reflect the values of the people it serves.

The process began in 2015 and The Food Trust’s Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (TFT’s PA FFFI) was fortunate enough to provide support toward the end of that journey. TFT’s PA FFFI provided grant funding to support final construction costs, along with technical assistance for the Co-op’s point-of-sale system and staff training, investments that helped address practical needs associated with moving from the construction phase into day-to-day grocery operations.

At opening, the Co-op had more than 800 member-owners and stocked products from more than 30 local vendors. The store is open to everyone, not just member-owners. TFT’s PA FFFI is one piece of a larger story. That is precisely why this project is a useful example of the role TFT’s PA FFFI can play: strategic public investment can help community-rooted food businesses overcome critical barriers and turn years of planning and investment into something tangible.

Congratulations to the West Chester Cooperative and everyone who helped make this milestone possible!

“Washington is pulling back, and so state and local government has to step in to figure out a way to take care of its citizens,” Mark Edwards, CEO of the Food Trust, said.

Philly Council president calls for food insecurity office, hearings on city-funded grocery stores - Metro Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson wants to establish a permanent municipal office dedicated to food insecurity and explore the potential for city-funded grocery stores.

Fall produce is here 🍂🍎🥕

October brings plenty of Pennsylvania favorites: from crisp apples and pears to pumpkins, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and winter squash.

Reminder: Shopping in-season produce can help stretch your grocery budget, support local farmers, and bring fresh, seasonal foods to your table 💚

Save this list for your next grocery trip!

The Food Trust is thrilled to share that we're a recipient of a Neighborhood Partners Program grant from PSEG Foundation! We're incredibly grateful for the support PSEG has provided to the Healthy Corner Store Initiative and Nutrition Incentives programs in New Jersey since 2019.

This grant will help The Food Trust increase healthy food access and affordability of fresh produce and other healthy foods throughout New Jersey by supporting small retailers stock and sell healthy foods and by increasing affordability through incentives that are redeemed for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and water.

This brings us one step closer to ending food insecurity. We’re grateful to the PSEG Foundation for investing in our mission and the communities we serve.

PSEG Foundation Awards $500,000 to Fight Food Insecurity During Hunger Action Month 24/7 access to real-time outage & restoration info. New features: Google Maps, crew status icons, and outage tracking numbers.

Due to high winds and rain in the forecast for Saturday, September 26, we are POSTPONING Senior Appreciation Day at Clark Park.

As of now, the farmers market will still be open, but keep an eye out on Instagram for any weather-related updates, and check back soon for the new event date!

WEATHER UPDATE: Due to high winds and rain in the forecast for Saturday, September 26, we are POSTPONING Senior Appreciation Day at Clark Park.

As of now, the farmers market will still be open, but keep an eye out on Instagram for any weather-related updates, and check back soon for the new event date!
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On September 26, we’ll be celebrating older adults at Clark Park Farmers Market with a special Senior Appreciation Day – helping seniors stretch their food dollars by doubling seniors’ FMNP checks for the day, hosting cooking demonstrations, giveaways and more.

Thanks to the generosity of Outlaw Logistics, we are happy to announce that we have $3,000 in matching funds to make Senior Appreciation Day possible. That means your gift can make twice the impact for older adults in our community: https://bit.ly/4iGU7qE.

Your donation helps older adults stretch their food dollars, bring home more fresh, nutritious food, and feel celebrated and connected in their community.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your efforts, PA Farm to School Network Virtual Open House is a great opportunity to connect with others, ask questions, and learn from practitioners across the state: https://bit.ly/3V8F8vI.

On September 24, 2026, 3–4:30 p.m. EST Join the Pennsylvania Farm to School Network for our September Virtual Open House, where we'll explore strategies, resources, and partnerships that support successful local food procurement.

Register: https://bit.ly/3V8F8vI.

Huge thanks to 6abc Action News for highlighting what's happening this fall at our year-round farmers markets! Keep reading and watch below for more details:

Fairmount Farmers | 22nd St & Fairmount Ave
-Held every Thursday at 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount Farmers Market features about 30 rotating vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, dairy products, meats, baked goods, and more. Visitors can pick up pastries from Darnel's Cakes, babka from Shevy's Babka, and locally crafted wines while supporting regional farmers and small businesses. The Food Trust also offers Food Bucks for SNAP and EBT shoppers, helping make fresh food more accessible.

Clark Park Farmers Market | 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave
-A West Philadelphia tradition since 1998, Clark Park Farmers Market takes place every Saturday. Along with fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, shoppers can find empanadas, records, jewelry, clothing, and other unique goods. The market's family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful park setting make it a favorite destination in the fall. On September 26, we’re supporting older adults at Clark Park Farmers Market by helping their food dollars go further! On Senior Appreciation Day, senior shoppers will have the chance to double their senior checks (FMNP) while supplies last, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and connect with local resources and neighbors.

Headhouse Farmers Market | 2nd & Lombard St
-Every Sunday, shoppers can browse dozens of vendors at Headhouse Farmers Market at 2nd and Lombard streets, offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to candles, wellness products, and prepared foods. Often accompanied by live music, the market carries on Philadelphia's tradition of local commerce dating back to 1745. On November 1, the market will celebrate Pennsylvania C***r Week with a special c***r stroll featuring c***rs made from Pennsylvania-grown apples.

Philadelphia's historic farmers markets are ready for fall Held every Thursday at 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount Farmers Market features about 30 rotating vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, dairy products, meats, baked goods, and more.

Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month of September is Peppers!

A little sweet, a little spicy, and always colorful – peppers are having their moment! September is a great time to explore the colorful world of peppers – from crisp green and juicy red bell peppers, to fiery hot varieties – at your farmers market.

Not sure which one to pick? Start with a bell pepper for a sweet, crunchy snack, or ask your farmer about a pepper you’ve never tried before. Peppers can be eaten raw, roasted, grilled, stuffed, sautéed or tossed into just about anything. And they’re as nutritious as they are colorful: Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamins A, K and B6. Pick up a few different colors at market and make your own pepper rainbow!