Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Florida Organic Growers (FOG), the Alachua County Office of Sustainability, Little Bean Productions, Blue Oven Kitchens, and Buy Local North Central Florida, announce a “Cash Mob” at the Alachua County 441 Farmers Market (5920 NW 13th Street).  The goal of the event is to gather a crowd to promote local food and economic development.  Attendees are encouraged to spend $20 at the 441 Farmers Market on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This family friendly event will include a bounce house, local food vendors (The Loving Hut), and Waldorf School provided kid’s activities.  A short film will be produced from this event to promote farmers markets in Alachua County.

Cash Mobs are modeled after social networking Flash Mobs; events where large groups of people gather to celebrate artistic expression.  A Cash Mob adds the element of supporting local businesses by spending $20.  The 441 Farmers Market Cash Mob will support the local food economy by increasing the viability of area farms. 

“Everyone benefits when local farmers are supported.  We enrich our community’s capacity to provide access to healthy, fresh food and develop a healthier citizenry,” said Alachua County Sustainability Program Manager, Sean McLendon.  He continued saying, “Creativity and innovation inspire the local food movement that is creating a new generation of entrepreneurs.  A Cash Mob is a small idea that can leverage big results.”

FOG is doubling the first ten dollars Food Stamp purchases while funds are available.

For more information, contact FOG’s Felipe Echeverri at 352-870-7565 or felipe@foginfo.org, or Alachua County contact: Sean McLendon, 352-548 3765 or smclendon@alachuacounty.us.