La Lucha Space, announces plans for 2015. One of its programs, The Locals, will be temporarily closing after December 24; however, a recently awarded Local Food Promotion grant will allow the organization to continue supporting local producers, and connecting the community to local food, art, and culture.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services grant will infuse Conway with more than $90,000 to create a local food aggregation hub and to implement pop-up farmers markets in diverse locations around town. This program has two objectives; the first is to increase the volume of food small local farmers can sell in Conway by providing an aggregation point and by helping to manage relationships between farmers, local restaurants, and other institutional buyers. “We will also continue to develop excitement and consumer education around the local food movement through pop-up farmers markets” says Director Sandra Leyva. In the Spring and Summer of 2015, the organization will be planning and implementing pop-up markets complete with street musicians, artisan goods and an attractive bike-mobile--a pedal powered cart that will allow for easy transportation and display of fresh produce.
In addition to this program, La Lucha Space plans to continue supporting and participating in projects and events taking place out in the community. “As we leave the space on Van Ronkle we do not intend to cease our work” says Program Director Beth Wilson Norwood, “we are merely moving into a nomadic phase, continuing our work with community organizers, the Local Food Program, the Faulkner County Urban Farm Project, and other community partners like The Lantern Theatre, Kings, and Zaza’s.
“We feel grateful for the multitude of people who have approached us to ask what they can do to help during this transition,” said Norwood. “The best way to help is to set up a monthly recurring donation to help fund next year’s programming. Donations can be as low as $5 a month and every bit counts.” To sign up to become a super supporter please visit https://thelocals.be/super_support. If you would like to make a one-time donation you can do so at thelocals.be/donate
“This Holiday Season, we are encouraging people to make their dollars count by shopping local and investing in the community that has formed around The Locals” say Beth and Sandra. Join them on December 13th from 11am to 7pm for “Shop The Locals Day”, an open-house style event in which some of the more than 20 producer members will be present to chat with the people who buy and enjoy the stuff they make. Don’t miss your last chance to check out The Locals on Van Ronkle and show your love for the community space.
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