Metrics + Indicators for Impact (MIFI), is a three-year research study carried out by a collaboration of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Farmer’s Market Coalition. Funded by the USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), MIFI strives to create a user-friendly database that measures and collects information from farmer’s markets across the country. The database encourages its national farmer’s market participants to collect data in an organized and timely fashion, allowing the information to be used in an efficient and helpful way for future participants and vendors. The MIFI portal measures the economic, social, and ecological impacts within the participating national markets. Examples of the information collected are the average numbers of visitors to markets, total market sales, transportation methods to the markets, etc. According to the MIFI markets website (mifimarkets.org), farmer’s markets can use this resource in order to understand their role in fostering social interaction and local economic development, improve internal decision-making and strategic planning, and strengthen relationships with community partners, sponsors, vendors and customers.

MIFI member, Dusty Krikau, from the Fon du Lac Farmer’s Market explained his experience with the online resource. Krikau said, “Metrics + Indicators for Impact has given us access to valid and reliable statistical analysis of our market – something that would be unrealistic on our standard operating budget…The insights gained have helped us write grant requests and reports; recognize areas where we can make quick and easy improvements; and respond to concerns from customers, vendors, and local business owners.”

Principal Investigator, Professor Alfonso Morales believes that a systemized program like the MIFI market system will “help bring an evaluation feedback loop that is often missing in many farmer’s markets, enhancing market credibility which will enable more effective decision-making.” After years of dedication since the start of the MIFI grant in April 2014, Morales and his team have come to the end of their journey as the new website plans to launch this May with the goal that the online tool will strengthen national food system networks.

For more information, go to: mifimarkets.org

Networks similar to Open Air strive to create forums and spaces where people with the shared interest of farmers’ markets are able to come together and exchange ideas. Each year, Maine Federation of Farmers’ Market (MFFM) holds an annual conference, inviting inspiring and influential people to come educate those involved in the federation. University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor and member of Open Air Market Network, Alfonso Morales, was one of the many attendees of the conference. While there, Morales gave a presentation titled, “Resurgent Farmers’ Markets: Impacts Around the US and Prospects for Maine” to over 125 guests. Here are some photo’s from Alfonso’s trip this past weekend:

I remember the first time I came to Madison, Wisconsin. The true beauty of the city immediately stood out between the Capitol Building and the two lakes. I stood looking up State Street, awestruck by the city I was about to call my home for four years. Amongst the many highlights that Madison has to offer, one of the features of the city that caught my eye most were the many food trucks lined up on Library Mall.

In a state that prides itself for beer and cheese, the diversity of ethnicities amongst the food trucks is incredible. Whether you are craving authentic tacos, Chicago-style hot dogs, or Thai food, you are able to get any of them for just a few dollars. Now, four years later I am striving to complete the ‘rounds’ and eat at every food truck that holds a residency in Library Mall.

While hoping to try each truck before graduating this May, there are a few that I must say are my favorite. This anecdote will tell you why.

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My curiosity continued to grow as I watched the line for the green food truck titled, “Fresh Cool Drinks” wrap around Library Mall like a never-ending snake. My mind immediately wondered, what’s so good about this truck? Little did I know, not only is the food my favorite, but also the worker, Tsuey.

 Fresh Cool Drinks has, in some sense, saved my life while studying on campus. Although the line is often incredibly long, it is always worth the wait. The cart’s most popular, and my favorite food cart item, is the $3 spring roll. Tsuey fills each roll with an overwhelming amount of ingredients like cabbage, a choice of meat or tofu, avocado and a choice of sauce. Never did I think I could fall in love with a food item, but I did.

Tsuey has a huge influence on her costumers, as she tends to remember the faces and names of her regulars – making each visit at the truck a memorable one.

 Amidst the flu and final season of December 2016, I stood in the long line for a spring roll. After fighting off strep throat for a few days, my voice was cracked and quite noticeable. Immediately after I ordered my lunch, Tsuey asked if I was sick and what my symptoms were – her concern was heartwarming.

Within minutes, Tsuey popped her head out of the window with my spring roll and before I could say thank you, she then handed me a soothing home remedy for my throat consisting of ginger, honey and lemon and instantly said, “on the house.”

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Tsuey’s act of kindness instantly triggered a feeling of comfort and home in this city. The food trucks are a place for people to explore the many cultures of Madison while simultaneously radiating happiness and common ground for everyone. If given the opportunity, check out a truck that you have not yet been to – the food, as well as the people working may surprise you.