Market Umbrella is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Since its founding in 1995, Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Market. What began as a single weekly farmers market in Downtown New Orleans has blossomed into a series of markets spaced throughout the city. The Crescent City Farmers Market brings shoppers and food producers together over their shared love of fresh, local food — a powerful cultural common denominator in New Orleans — promoting good health, greater social connectivity, and sustainable economic development.

By offering technical assistance and trainings, Market Umbrella serves a resource to  small food businesses. Helping local food producers provide a world-class experience as well as sustain their business, we help drive both the supply and demand for fresh, local food. Market Umbrella also collaborates with organizations across the region to create more opportunities for local producers and sustain the local food supply. 

Market Umbrella's programs help families access healthy foods at the markets. Our signature program, Market Match, provides a cash match on grocery purchases made using SNAP, allowing families to buy more fresh produce by shopping with local food producers. In 2022, Market Umbrella was appointed by the Louisiana Legislature to run Greaux the Good, a state-wide program to assist Louisiana farmers markets with starting or expanding their own SNAP/FMNP match programs like Market Umbrella's Market Match. This means more business for local farmers and more fresh food for families! We are excited to take on this important work. Though our reach is expanding beyond New Orleans, sustainable economic and community development (and of course, eating well) is still what drives us.

To read our 2022 Report to the Community, click here.