Meet The Goshen Market Foundation
For over two decades, the Land of Goshen Community Market in Edwardsville, IL has been a hub for local produce, art, music, and community engagement every Saturday morning. In 2016, to share its resources, deepen its roots in the community, and make a more significant impact, the Market established the Goshen Market Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. This step marked a renewed commitment to nurturing a healthy, locally-focused food community.
Our Mission:
The Goshen Market Foundation uses its resources to provide greater access to healthy food, encourage the growth of local agriculture, and educate children and the community about sustainable farming practices and nutrition.
Anti-Racism Goals
Since its inception in 2016, the Goshen Market Foundation has been dedicated to expanding access to healthy, locally sourced food and promoting education about nutrition and agriculture. We recognize that our efforts have not fully addressed the systemic barriers that make access to fresh, nutritious, local food inequitable for everyone.
Racism is more than just overt acts of violence or hostility; it is a pervasive system that disproportionately benefits white individuals at the expense of people of color. We acknowledge our own shortcomings in this area, both in our past inaction and our organizational practices.
We understand that while poverty and food inaccessibility affect individuals of all races, the privilege associated with food access is often racially skewed. Statistically, white individuals in the United States have fewer obstacles in accessing food, acquiring land, and connecting with farmers or food producers. They often have better opportunities for nutrition education and are less likely to live in areas with limited food options or without a local farmers’ market.
Although we have taken steps to address these issues, such as deploying the Beet Box to communities with limited food access and offering matching programs for SNAP recipients, we realize more actions are needed.
Going forward, the Goshen Market Foundation is committed to:
Developing a board of directors that reflects the racial diversity of the community we serve.
Actively recruiting and supporting Black vendors to participate in the Goshen Market and contribute to the Beet Box.
Prioritizing purchases from Black-owned businesses whenever possible.
Establishing schoolyard garden programs in predominantly Black communities.
Expanding the reach and frequency of our mobile market to better serve communities of color.
We firmly believe in the principle that all lives cannot truly matter until Black lives do. We appreciate your support as we strive to become a more just, equitable, and community-focused organization.
Leadership
The success of the Goshen Market Foundation is steered by our dedicated board officers and directors, a team of individuals deeply committed to our community and its sustainable future.
Board Officers
President: Emily Sheehan
Vice President: Don Leone
Secretary: Amanda McKean
Treasurer: Karissa Jones
Board of Directors
Executive Director: Ann Herrington
Board Members:
Elsa Zeller
Sharon Henderson
Jamie Henderson
Emily Morrison
Sherry Chase
Sherrie Hickman
Jeff Skoblow
Kristen Pauli
The Goshen Market Foundation, through its initiatives and the collective effort of its leadership team, continues to be a beacon of community engagement and sustainable living in Edwardsville. We invite you to explore our site, learn more about our impactful events and projects, and join us in our mission to create a healthier, more connected community.