Boone Street Market, Jonesborough TN
Recent Events Spotlight — 100 Mile Dinner at Dotson Farm
In May of this year Boone St. Market hosted their spring 100 Mile Dinner at the Dotson Farm in Washington County, TN. Chef Nathan Brand and Bartender Kevin Masters prepared a four-course spread pared with a before and after dinner drink. Despite the rain that drenched volunteers and staff right up until the moment of dinner, it turned out to be a lovely evening with accompanying live music by Danny Ray & Friends, baby lambs playing in the fields, and a beautiful sunset.
If you missed this wonderful event and would like to learn more about what the market offers, upcoming events, and success stories, take a look at their new website: http://www.jonesboroughlocallygrown.org
What’s Happening Next? — Boone Street Market if Expanding!
Since opening its doors in 2014, Boone Street Market has sold over $720,000 worth of locally raised farm and food products. In two and half years, the market has created two full time jobs, three part time jobs, served as a work-study site for two high school students, has hosted multiple AmeriCorps volunteers, and has organized and hosted 20 “100 Mile Dinners,” along with many educational events. The market has acted as a hub to get community members involved in the local foods movement and supports farmers and producers.
Boone Street Market currently relies on AmeriCorps members and volunteer labor for staffing. While the support of both AmeriCorps and hardworking volunteers is wonderful, it is not a long term management solution. The operational budget is covered by sales as well as membership fees, special events and community donations. The market, continuing along the lines of a year round farmers market with the farmer in mind, takes a very small cut of the profit made from the sale of goods. This amount, only 20%, also helps cover operational costs (keeping the lights on). The market’s success has been impressive thanks to the support of the community and a growing enthusiasm for local products, however the market is not yet generating enough sales income to cover all operation costs. The next step needed for progress is to have full time management and staff to support long term sustainability with market sales covering these costs. The solution? Boone Street Market will be expanding, thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. This is a great boost toward the total project expense of $120,000. According to Ashley Cavender, the Local Food Market Coordinator, “Long-term sustainability is possible, but only if we increase sales, which requires more space to display more products in greater variety from more farmers. Additional space gives us room for an expanded food service, more comfortable “100 mile” events, and allows us to serve and support more local farmers and food producers.” The expansion will provide much needed office space and double the display area. Currently, Ken Ross Architects is working on the expansion design. The Town of Jonesborough has approved the concept, soon to be reviewed by the Historic Zoning Commision. Boone Street Market still has to raise another $70,000 to see this project to completion, further strengthening our local food economy. How can you help? Shop at Boone St. Market, attend a “100 Mile” event (the food is always good), or/and graciously donate to help in the fundraising endeavor. When you support local food, you are supporting your community.
Donations can be mailed to: Boone St. Market, PO Box 95, Jonesborough, TN 37659
We hope to see you at the market!
