Economic Development
Alchemist CDC is an organization dedicated to the intersection of equitable food systems and economic development. We have over 10 years of experience creating more equitable food access and community development in Sacramento. Our Economic Development programs include:
Alchemy Kitchen
We are creating a shared-use commercial kitchen and food business incubator to help budding entrepreneurs overcome barriers of entry and create successful food businesses. Our project will focus on historically disenfranchised populations and connecting food businesses to local products.
CalFresh at Farmers’ Markets: Connecting Families to Farmers
We facilitate the use of CalFresh (previously known as Food Stamps) at farmers’ markets, giving supplemental assistance recipients access to fresh, healthy, local produce.
Market Match
We facilitate the Market Match program in Sacramento and Yolo Counties, allowing CalFresh customers to receive matching incentive funds to help stretch their tight food budgets and encourage shopping at farmers’ markets.
Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx)
Clinicians and wellness educators give patients “prescriptions” to purchase fresh produce from farmers’ markets. Patients “fill their prescriptions” at Alchemist’s Cal-Fresh booths at participating farmers markets by exchanging them for vouchers for free produce at the market. Patients then return to the clinic office for additional “prescriptions” and follow up nutrition education and wellness programs.