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Donita Anderson
North Union Farmer`s Market

The Nominator: Lauren Timen

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
Donita Anderson is the founder and executive director of the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit North Union Farmers Market (NUFM). The mission of NUFM is to champion the local foods of NE Ohio and promote their environmental, economic and health benefits by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets. The seven seasonal markets and one indoor market help incubate local businesses, keep money in our local economy (PEOPLE + PROSPERITY), maintain open spaces and preserve farms (PLANET + PEOPLE), provide the freshest and most nutritious food that has travelled a minimal distance (PEOPLE + PLANET), and offer a location for community members to gather, shop and enjoy live music (PEOPLE + PROSPERITY). Donita’s amazing efforts have not gone unnoticed nationally. In 2008, NUFM was honored with coverage in Gourmet Magazine (9/08) and USA Today (9/08), and it also assisted Cleveland in receiving a national award for a sustainable food community. NUFM is the best farmers’ market system in Ohio and fourth best nationally. Coverage such as this benefits more than NUFM; it brings positive attention to our entire community (PEOPLE + PROSPERITY).

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Thanks to Donita’s efforts and leadership, NUFM markets serve over 30,000 people in greater Cleveland who make near half a million visits. In 2008, over 90 farmers participated in NUFM markets, and many of these farmers have commented that NUFM provided a valuable and viable avenue of support for their livelihood. In addition, NUFM incubates over 300 small businesses, many of which have launched on to greater success in the Greater Cleveland community. (Also please see answer for last question)

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
Thanks to Donita and NUFM, I eat local foods EVERY day!

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
While running markets is an important aspect of NUFM, Donita continuously strives to ensure that the organization also provides educational opportunities to farmers and others markets—both locally and nationally—as well as for the community. Donita often consults farmers on what to grow in order to gain part of the market dollar. She also teaches them how to effectively grow for multiple markets so that they may expand their businesses. Under her leadership, NUFM provides farmers with an educational conference each November; in 2008 the event featured a nationally-known speaker addressing the all-important topic of soil. Donita also regularly speaks locally and nationally and also assists other communities with replicating what she has so successfully founded in Greater Cleveland. Locally, Donita has ensured that consumers have an opportunity to learn about the value of eating locally by providing education to the community. Plus, NUFM collaborates with over 100 non profits throughout northeast Ohio.