Field & Fork Network, Inc.

The communities in which people live have a direct impact on the health of its residents. Neighborhoods with safe areas for physical activity and access to affordable nutritious foods provide the tools for healthy lives.

Unfortunately, disadvantaged areas without these essentials tend to lead to a population with chronic illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In 2014, NYHealth launched the Healthy Neighborhoods Fund to transform specific communities into healthier and more active places, including Niagara Falls North End neighborhood. NYHealth is funding Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative (the Collaborative) to improve access to affordable healthy food in this community. In 2015, NYHealth awarded Field & Fork Network Inc., (Field & Fork) a grant to provide technical assistance (TA) to the Collaborative in the development of wholesome foods pop-up markets.

Under this grant, Field & Fork provided logistical TA for the implementation of pop-up fresh foods markets. A consultant developed a sustainable business plan and strategies to identify and secure additional funding for the markets. Field & Fork assisted the Collaborative with additional funding requests, such as preparing and submitting applications to the federal Healthy Food Financing initiative. The consultant also explored private sector financing and funding opportunities from other sources, such as banks, community development financial institutions, and other foundations. Finally, this grant supported advancing any other related activities that promote the goals of the Healthy Neighborhoods Fund initiative.