Aitkin County Public Health Secures Minnesota SARE Mini Grant for Farmers Market Hub ROI Analysis

Author: Hannah Colby, RD, LD, CLS

Community Health Specialist with Aitkin County Public Health

Aitkin County Public Health has secured a Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) mini grant to conduct a return on investment (ROI) analysis of the Aitkin Farmers Market Hub. This initiative is a strategic step toward understanding and showcasing the hub’s long-term economic, social, and health impacts. By quantifying these benefits, the goal is to reinforce the hub’s role as a vital asset in strengthening local food access, economic sustainability, and public health initiatives.

With this analysis, Aitkin County’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) coordinator and community partners aim to provide data-driven evidence that will inform future investment and policy decisions. Insights from Ryan Pesch of the University of Minnesota Extension will help frame the findings in a way that resonates with key stakeholders, including county agencies, schools, and nonprofits. By clearly communicating the return on investment, the project seeks to secure sustained support and funding for local food initiatives

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The ROI study, led by Ryan Pesch, will examine sales data from the Aitkin Farmers Market Hub, analyzing both producer and product sales. In addition, interviews with producers will shed light on the profitability of hub sales compared to other market avenues. This evaluation will also consider marketing costs and overall operational profitability to assess both immediate and long-term financial impacts. The ultimate goal is to determine whether the hub fosters business development and economic resilience among local producers.

Beyond the numbers, this ROI analysis aspires to be a catalyst for future growth. By demonstrating the hub’s tangible benefits, Aitkin County Public Health and its partners hope to attract increased investment, strengthen community partnerships, and expand access to fresh, local foods. This data-driven approach ensures that decisions supporting the hub’s sustainability are backed by concrete evidence, positioning it as a cornerstone of a thriving local food system that enhances both economic vitality and public health.