Speaker

Clarence Boone

He/Him/His
Facility and Program Coordinator for the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market and Community Garden Program
City of Bloomington, IN
Bloomington, Indiana
United States

It’s been said that, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength!” I am Clarence Boone, program/facility coordinator for Bloomington’s Farmers' Market and Community Gardens. Prior to joining the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department in April of 2021, I had over 25 years of experience in university advancement, development, enrollment management and alumni relations, with strong skillsets in program coordination and community volunteerism. I am pleased to be with a progressive, caring and evolving team that encourages communal exchanges between vendors, customers and staff. My aim is to enhance the vibrancy of the Bloomington Farmers' Market and Community Gardens.

The BCFM promotes small farmers and gardeners, supports a local food source, and increases food security in our community. We are WIC and SNAP participating organization. Food security and the importance of local food economies continued to be highlighted this year amidst a post-global pandemic. An example of our commitment can be seen in our attempts to recruit and retain vendors (both Farmers and Food and Beverage Artisans) and performers and entertainers into the fabric of the Farmers' Market. This is a priority as we are making good progress in this area. Another focus is developing programs that highlight and celebrate the rich ethnic cultures that exist in Bloomington. One program now in its third year is “Harvest for the World”. This is a celebration of diversity at the BCFM incorporating sight, sound and taste. This event is part of our continuing efforts to create bridges and broadening understandings within the Bloomington community, while highlighting various cultural elements at the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market.

In recent years, I have enjoyed my participation as a group facilitator, and planning and design team member with the “Noah’s Ark” – Community Dialogues on Faith, Race, Racism and Healing. Again, while it’s been said that, “in diversity there is beauty and there is strength,” it is certainly true that “we all smile…in the same language!”

Contact:
clarence.boone@bloomington.in.gov
+1 812-349-3738


Social Media:
https://bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market