Meg Athearn and the Morning Glory Farm team are making powerful strides toward food equity and inclusive access to healthy, local produce. Thanks to new partnerships and initiatives, the West Tisbury Farmers Market has joined Morning Glory in accepting SNAP/HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) payments. Last year, Morning Glory had their biggest use of WIC/ELDER coupons ever, with redemptions totaling over $1,000, reflecting growing engagement and support for the island’s diverse communities. Morning Glory has also expanded food access through its participation in Island Grown Initiative’s ongoing gleaning program and $50 produce bags delivered in partnership with elder services for those who may not be able to shop independently.
Beyond accessibility, the farm is also deepening its commitment to sustainability. With support from Cornell and a grant via the Agricultural Society, Morning Glory is working toward organic certification by the end of 2025, including soil health testing and environmentally conscious packaging practices. These efforts reflect the farm’s mission to evolve thoughtfully, meet community needs, and remain a leader in local agriculture.
To further support this work, Morning Glory encourages better promotion of farmers markets and the food access programs they offer. Public messaging about pedestrian-friendly spaces and awareness of the island’s diverse populations can also help build a more welcoming and equitable food system. For Meg and the team, The Vineyard Way is about cultivating food, relationships, and community in the most inclusive and sustainable way possible.
This work directly supports Climate Action Plan (CAP) Food Security Goal #1: By 2040, food grown on the Island is harvested and produced in a way that strengthens biodiversity and makes food more abundant over time, and the majority of food consumed on the Island is grown in the Northeastern US; and Food Security Goal #2: By 2040 MV has a climate resilient physical and social framework to ensure that all residents have access to appropriate, ample, and nourishing food with dignity.
