EarthWorks Market  

In partnership with Metro Detroit WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program, PROJECT FRESH provides their clients access to organic produce through a series of market days and easily purchased coupons.  EarthWorks Garden (EWG) participates in these seasonal markets, delivering freshly picked produce to the WIC distribution centers at several metro Detroit locations.  Since 2001, volunteers at EarthWorks Garden have picked and prepared thousands of pounds of produce yearly for these markets. Our PIC & PAC program is solely volunteer-run and operates throughout the growing season.

Women Infant and Children (WIC)/Project Fresh

The WIC/ Project Fresh Markets consists of 4-market sites at WIC clinics.  In coordination with the Wayne County Health Department and Promoting Healthy Eating in Detroit (PHED), the EarthWorks schedules market days in July, August and September where EWG fresh product is distributed at the clinics in exchange for Project Fresh Coupons or cash. This collaborative market system affords low-income families with fresh naturally grown produce, conveniently and inexpensively.

Principal partners are:

Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wayne County Health Department, PHED Staff and Master Gardeners of Detroit/Wayne County.

Past and Current Funding Sources:

Project Fresh sales and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

Community Mini-Markets

The mini-markets are a new market expansion attempt for the 2005 season which consists of conducting a total of 16 markets at Iroquois Ave. Christ Lutheran Church and St. Charles Catholic Church between March and September, 2005. The markets will sell and promote produce from EWG and other local organic growers. Also, these markets will promote healthier life-styles and food buying practices.

Principal partners are:

Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Iroquois Ave. Christ Lutheran Church and St. Charles Church.

Current Fund Sources:

Mich. Department of Community Healthy/Body and Soul Mini-Grant.

Value Added Products

The “Value Added Product Line” of EWG is designed to accomplish three goals:

1. Promote EWG and GHK.

2. Emphasis food preservation.

3. Educate the community about local products and food preservation practices.

The current product line includes: black raspberry, currant and gooseberry jams, honey, hand balm, tomato/basil soup base, pickled beets and heirloom seed line. Products in process: dried spice blend, the expansion of seed saving and heirloom seed line and herb plant propagation.

Principal partners are:

Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Iroquois Ave. Christ Lutheran Church and Master Gardeners of Detroit/Wayne County.

Past and current funding Sources:

(Past) The Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Chevy R.O.C.K. Grant and Detroit Industrial Grant.

(Current) The Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Ace Bakery.