forward at the same time. During the transition, Lindsay outlined a permanent management structure, began to assemble a team and recruit a board of directors, and developed organizational procedures and policies just to start.
In 2023, EFH was officially awarded 501c3 status and fully took over operations. From here, the new nonprofit saw incredible success not just in establishing itself, but even growing. In its first year of nonprofit operations, it introduced new wholesale aggregation and distribution services, became the local distributor for three producers, doubled the size of Farm to School programming, forged new partnerships, added a second market location, and raised more than $1.2 million to support its mission-driven work.
Essex Food Hub is continuing on this trajectory and excited about all that's in store for the future. The strong foundation and path for growth as a nonprofit will allow EFH to continue building a vibrant local food system that empowers both farmers and communities for generations to come.
