On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the grassy center of the Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) will become a bustling hub of food‑focused community engagement. From 8 am until 1 pm, member organizations of the Adams County Food Policy Council (ACFPC) will gather to celebrate how good food can strengthen the fabric of our county. The event, titled “Good Food, Strong Community,” promises a mix of education, interaction, and advocacy that will leave participants inspired and equipped to act.
The ACFPC exists to bridge the gap between the people who grow, distribute, and consume food and the policies that shape those systems. This day‑long gathering serves three core goals. The first is to introduce the council. Many community members are unaware of the ACFPC’s mission, its working groups, and how they can get involved. The event offers a clear, approachable introduction to the council’s structure and ongoing projects.
Tables will feature the work of the four working groups that further ACFPC’s work. The Community Engagement table will introduce the mission and structure of the Council and share takeaway materials from various organizations and programs. The Policy table will have explanations of our policy priorities in language that is easy to understand, guides to contacting your legislators, and an interactive activity to take a first step into the world of advocacy. The Communication table will have links to our social media accounts and newsletter sign up so you can stay informed of what is going on in our local food system. The Food Programs table will have information about our efforts to support healthy food access at the ACFM and beyond.
The second goal is to highlight member organizations. Partners such as WellSpan, South Central Community Action Programs, New Hope Ministries, and more will showcase their work and upcoming events, reinforcing the collaborative nature of food justice in Adams County. Organizations will also share ways community members can lend a hand, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness.
The final goal is to engage visitors directly. Hands-on activities will transform abstract policy ideas into tangible experiences. Throughout the event, there will be live food demonstrations, turning fresh market produce into a quick, nutritious recipe that attendees can replicate at home. The demo challenges current social trends promoting overly complex recipes with countless ingredients and steps as ‘the only way to eat healthy.’Instead, we want to uplift the simplicity of cooking with seasonal ingredients and underscore the council’s message that healthy eating is accessible to everyone with the right support and programming in place. In addition to the demos, there will be an advocacy post card activity, a connection building scavenger hunt, SNAP Q&A, photo props, and more!
Excited yet? Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 8 am to 1 pm at the ACFM located at the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority, 545 Long Lane in Gettysburg. Bring friends, family, and an open mind. By gathering together, we’ll demonstrate that good food does more than nourish bodies; it builds resilient, inclusive communities.
For additional details, visit www.adamscountyfoodpolicy.org or reach out to adamsfoodpolicy@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there and working side‑by‑side to create a stronger, healthier Adams County.