The Common Market

The journey of The Common Market began with a simple yet powerful observation by its founders, Tatiana Garcia Granados and Haile Johnston. As new residents in a Philadelphia neighborhood, they witnessed firsthand the stark reality of food insecurity coexisting with the struggles of small, local farmers who lacked access to broader markets. This disconnect sparked an idea that would soon blossom into a transformative nonprofit organization. In 2008, fueled by a passion for social entrepreneurship and a desire to mend this broken link in the food system, they embarked on a mission to connect communities with good food grown on sustainable family farms. What started as a humble endeavor with a single delivery vehicle and a vision has since grown into a robust, multi-regional operation dedicated to creating a more equitable and resilient food ecosystem.

From its origins in Philadelphia, The Common Market's story is one of steady, impactful growth. The organization meticulously built a model that serves both ends of the food supply chain. For farmers, it provides crucial technical assistance, fair pricing, and the infrastructure needed for aggregation and distribution, opening doors to wholesale markets that were previously out of reach. For urban and suburban communities, it partners with anchor institutions like schools, hospitals, and universities to make fresh, nutrient-dense, local food accessible, particularly in areas with limited options. This thoughtful expansion has led to the establishment of hubs across the country, including the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas, and the Great Lakes regions. Each hub operates with a degree of independence, allowing it to cater to the specific needs of its local farmers and communities while being supported by a central organizational structure. Through this ever-expanding network, The Common Market continues to write its story, one of strengthening local economies, improving public health, and fostering a deeper connection between the people who grow our food and the communities that consume it.