Charisse McGill knows how to keep things fresh.
The Philadelphia trailblazer was recently named Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) — making history as the first Black woman in the organization’s history to serve in that role. McGill will lead the nonprofit that is dedicated to strengthening and supporting farmers markets across the United States, while providing real income opportunities for farmers and expanding access in local communities.
This news coincides with National Farmers Market Week (NFMW), happening now through Aug. 12. The annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system, showcasing their value to customers, communities, local leaders and legislators.
“We are thrilled that Charisse McGill has agreed to step into the role of FMC’s Executive Director,” said FMC Board President Allen Moy in a statement. “We are confident that her passion for this work and entrepreneurial spirit will allow FMC to further increase its support for farmers market operators nationwide, and to have an even greater impact upon our collective efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.”
Before making FMC history as the first Black woman to serve as Executive Director, McGill was also the first Black woman to own and operate a food establishment in Penn’s Landing. McGill brought her efforts full circle by founding a business which got its start at a farmers market. Lokal Artistan Foods and French Toast Bites expanded from Lansdale’s Farmers Market to Christmas Village in Philadelphia and then went on to make history at Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park.
McGill later partnered with Yard’s Brewery and become the only Black female in the state of Pennsylvania with her own beer.
She hopes to lead this organization forward, inspiring participation by- and opening doors for BIPOC, female and LGBTQIA+ market operators, producers, community leaders and allies.
“I am honored to lead an organization dedicated to serving and supporting local farmers markets across the country,” McGill said. “Together we’ll blaze new paths, sow seeds of change, and harvest a brighter future for farmers, consumers, and communities.”
For more about Farmers Market Coalition and National Farmers Market Week, visit farmersmarketcoalition.org
