What is the FreshLink Ambassador approach?
The FreshLink Ambassador approach is the product of a five-year research project of the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods (PRCHN) at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. This strategy to bridge residents to resources to foster healthy communities was developed using community-engaged research that was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2014-2019.
FreshLink Ambassadors are passionate and connected community members hired and trained to spread the word about farmers’ markets and explain how to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and nutrition incentives at direct-to-consumer markets. These community ambassadors are trained to conduct peer-to-peer outreach to promote awareness of and social connectedness to markets to increase SNAP transactions and enhance access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Watch this short video to learn more about FreshLink Ambassadors.
How can the FreshLink Team help you?
The Swetland Center provides ongoing technical assistance to organizations interested in implementing the FreshLink Ambassador approach in diverse communities. Our technical assistance team draws on three years of experience conducting real-world implementation of the FreshLink Ambassador approach at farmers’ markets in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ways to take action
Considering implementing the FreshLink model in your community? Check out our menu of options below to learn more about the model and how it works.
We have developed a series of Technical Assistance Guides to walk you through the key components of the FreshLink Model
Read a series of publications about the program. From program implementation and its findings; to studies describing the target population and their shopping practices at farmers' markets, and the need to engage them with a peer-to-peer promotion strategy.
Watch a recording of our webinar which took place on June 5th, 2020, 1:30 pm EST. This webinar was conducted in partnership with the National Farmers' Market Coalition and the Michigan Farmers' Market Association for a webinar about the FreshLink Approach as well as the Food Navigator Program.
Description:
Interested in engaging community members with outreach, promotion, and education for your market’s nutrition incentive program? Experts will present on two different community outreach programs: FreshLink Ambassadors and Food Navigators that employ community members to spread the word about how to access fresh, healthy, locally grown food.
Watch this webinar HERE
Interested in seeking additional feedback and advice on how to implement the FreshLink Ambassador program in your community? This July and August 2020 we will be offering a limited number of technical assistance sessions to help your organization work through questions or ideas you may have!
Click HERE to apply today!