Saguache Works

Programs: Food: during 2014, sw made significant progress in its efforts to promote healthy eating among a low-income population. The 4th st food store nearly tripled in size, purchased an addl display freezer, new shelving and bulk food bins, while offering ongoing cooking classes and regular free food tastings. Food sales more than doubled during the year and tripled among county residents taking advantage of a 20% discount when purchasing with an ebt card. Additional $37,687 cost of goods sold for inventory sold is reported part viii, line 10b. Program benefits about 2,500 regional producers & customers & stimulates commercial activity in downtown saguache.

economic stimulation: the welcome center, gallery & gift shop, draws travelers off the highway, thus supporting local artists & promoting tourist-based economic growth throughout the region. The 4th street food store and adjacent blue earth thrift & mercantile serve locals and visitors alike. All 3 downtown storefronts, refurbished by sw, generate steady traffic and significant economic activity, while creating much-needed empoyment opportunities. A startup cottage industry & student intern prog

internship: an addl program coordinator was hired and half-dozen new high school students were employed. Students, working in the food store and thrift shop, continued to learn general workplace skills, including stocking, sorting, display merchandising and customer service. A second group of students were employed in the start-up phase of homegrown totes where they were actively involved in product development, marketing and direct sales. These interns also learned basic cutting and sewing skil