Atlantic City, NJ – March 17, 2025 – The Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) is strengthening Atlantic County’s food systems and driving economic growth through its partnership with Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.). By securing a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), ACEA funded the C.R.O.P.S. Farm Share Program, expanding access to fresh, locally sourced produce while creating new opportunities for regional farmers and small businesses.
A key component of this initiative is developing a new app designed to connect regional farmers with consumers in Atlantic City. This app will create a marketplace that directly addresses the area’s food desert challenges—ensuring farmers get paid while consumers gain access to nutritious, fresh fruits and vegetables.
“This initiative is a testament to how strategic investment in sustainable agriculture can drive economic growth,” said Lauren Moore, President of ACEA. “By supporting programs like the C.R.O.P.S. Farm Share, we are improving food accessibility while creating new opportunities for farmers and small businesses, strengthening the economic fabric of Atlantic County so everyone wins!”
Alicia Newcomb, Executive Director of C.R.O.P.S., added, “Atlantic City will be the first New Jersey organization to use this new technology, paving the way for other New Jersey communities to replicate the model in the future. The new version of the app is set to launch at the end of April.”
Initially launched as a pilot in February, the Farm Share Program quickly expanded, with further growth planned for April and beyond. The program is based on the successful Fresh Stop Markets model, pioneered by New Roots, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky, for over 16 years. ACEA and C.R.O.P.S. have partnered with New Roots to bring this proven model to New Jersey, making Atlantic City the first place to explore and implement this approach in the state.
To support the program’s growth, the app is being developed in collaboration with New Roots and Slingshot to improve accessibility and efficiency.
“The funding helps New Roots improve the app by transitioning it to a new operating system and making SNAP Benefits more efficient,” said Karyn Moskowitz, Executive Director of New Roots.
“This initiative is about much more than providing food; it’s about building a foundation for a sustainable future,” said Newcomb. “By connecting local farmers with the community, we are creating a resilient food system that empowers individuals and strengthens our local economy.”
Participants offer strong support for the initiative. Gail K. emphasized the importance of eating fresh, clean food and supporting local farmers, while Wendy M. highlighted its broader impact on community well-being. Briana S. noted the program’s economic significance, stating, “I want to support the local economy because we don’t know what the future has in store.”
Farmers and stakeholders convened to discuss the program’s role in addressing food accessibility. Ryan Ploch, a participating farmer, stressed the need for solutions, stating, “Atlantic City is a food desert, and it does not have to be. We are ready to help.”
Chef Ecstasy B. reinforced the program’s health benefits, adding, “Health is wealth, and I’m excited to build our bodies back stronger.”
Farmer Hunter L. from Reed’s shared optimism about the initiative’s long-term impact, saying, “It is frustrating that there aren’t more grocery options, but maybe we’re going to make something even better.”
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About the Atlantic County Economic Alliance
The Atlantic County Economic Alliance is a private sector-directed, nonprofit economic development corporation that was established in 2017 for business attraction, retention, and marketing efforts in Atlantic County. The ACEA’s core focus areas are building a robust business retention program, marketing competitive assets to drive industry diversification, relationship building to attract new companies, and creating partnerships to recruit, retain, and promote a qualified workforce. Visit www.aceanj.com or call 609-245-0019 for more information.
About C.R.O.P.S.
Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing food accessibility, supporting local agriculture, and fostering sustainable food systems. Through initiatives like the Farm Share Program and community markets, C.R.O.P.S. connects residents with fresh, locally grown produce while empowering farmers and small businesses. Committed to education, economic development, and environmental stewardship, C.R.O.P.S. works to create a healthier, more resilient community. For more information, visit https://www.cropsnj.org/.Bottom of Form
About New Roots
New Roots is a nonprofit organization committed to making access to fresh food a basic human right. Through initiatives like Fresh Stop Markets and a mobile app, New Roots ensures ordering and paying for local, farm-fresh food is fair, equitable, and easy. Fresh Stop Markets are pop-up markets at churches, community centers, and businesses in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food. Families pool funds and SNAP benefits to purchase seasonal produce in bulk from local farmers on a sliding scale, ensuring affordability while minimizing risk for farmers. Visit https://newroots.org/fresh-stop-markets/ for more information.
Sustainable Shopping – Briana S. and Wendy M. carry their reusable bags filled with fresh produce from the CROPS Farm Share, supporting local farmers and sustainable food practices.
