One and a half years ago, county educator Don Tanner attended a conference in New York state about food and kitchen incubator projects that got him very energized. He brought that energy back to Pennsylvania and started to talk to people in the community about what he had learned. The excitement spread and the range of topics expanded. The group grew from four or five to over forty who get together to discuss relevant issues. The Potter County Education Council and Penn State Extension Office formed a partnership and sponsor the efforts, which are now collectively known as the Potter County Food Matrix.

Several separate projects resulted from the matrix. Classes are provided locally to provide residents with the information they need. The local farmers’ market was revamped to a true farmers’ market with participation from the local Amish community. The Community Supported Agriculture group, which is an outreach of the food matrix, sells memberships for a weekly supply of fresh local produce. The 22-week membership gets members one bushel basket every week of chemical-free, in-season produce, herbs, spices, and even maple products. Currently, the group is trying to get a kitchen incubator off the ground. The incubator would allow small food businesses access to a kitchen for up to five years while they build the business and develop a financial plan and can then go out on their own. For more information about the Potter County Food Matrix, visit  www.Food-Matrix.org or contact Don Tanner.

February, 2007