Communite

Welcome to our website!

Alchemist Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and strengthening the ability of Sacramento residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods and benefit equitably from development. We do this by helping residents identify the best ways to improve their communities.

Donate to Alchemist

You can donate online using Pay Pal or send a check to Alchemist CDC at 1800 21st St., Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95811. A donation of $100 covers the produce cost for one week of the farm stand! Alchemist Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, publicly supported organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code, and is incorporated and registered in California. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Receipts will be provided for all donations above $250 as required by the IRS or upon request.

New Projects

CalFresh/EBT at Farmers’ Markets

This fall, recipients of EBT assistance can begin using their benefits to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. Alchemist Community Development Corporation will be assisting with implementing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) payment processing at five Sacramento area Farmers' Markets utilizing a scrip system. The EBT/CalFresh program (previously known as food stamps) offers qualifying lower income individuals financial assistance in purchasing food for themselves and their families. EBT recipients can begin using their benefits to pay for produce at these markets.


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Alchemist CDC is currently facilitating EBT processing at the following Certified Farmers' Markets of Sacramento:

By providing for the ability to use EBT at these markets, Alchemist hopes to make fresh produce more accessible to low-income individuals in these areas. This effort is in keeping with Alchemist CDC's vision of a vibrant, equitable and diverse urban Sacramento. Farmers' markets are an asset to communities, and can lead to improved health for area residents. By making it easier for low-income populations to purchase food at farmers' markets, implementation of EBT acceptance makes these community assets more equitable and accessible to all individuals.

Alchemist CDC plans to continue to grow the number of farmers' markets in Sacramento accepting EBT payment in the coming years, and hopes to start EBT processing at the Laguna and Sunrise Farmers’ Market locations in winter 2011/2012.

Healthy Food For All - Building Healthy Communities

With funding from The California Endowment, Alchemist CDC is working in partnership with several other Sacramento-based non-profits to improve access to healthy foods in the south area of Sacramento (from Oak Park, south to 47th Ave., between Franklin Boulevard and Power Inn Road). This project is being carried out as part of the Building Healthy Communities initiative, a statewide project to improve the health of selected communities www.calendow.org/healthycommunities


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For this project, Alchemist CDC is researching possible market-based solutions to improving healthy food access, e.g., creating a neighborhood outlet for locally grown fresh produce that can be implemented in alternative ways--by adding fresh produce and other healthy foods and educational resources to existing convenience stores/corner markets, or development of a new stand-alone produce-focused market. Through interviews, feasibility analyses, focus groups, and other data gathering methods, Alchemist CDC will outline an action plan for implementing the solution(s) that are most appropriate and viable for the area.

Alchemist CDC is partnering with the Home Cash Market convenience store (4330 14th Avenue, at 14th Ave and 44th Street) to increase the offerings of fresh produce available in the community. The Home Cash Market was recently re-opened under new management by the owner of nearby Tony's Market. Previously this market corner had attracted negative activities like drug dealing. With the new owner’s commitment to no longer sell alcohol, and to offer fresh locally-grown produce in the store, this store is becoming a true asset to the community. Further, the store accepts CalFresh/EBT (food stamps). We encourage you to support this community-based project by shopping at Home Cash Market. Additionally, Alchemist CDC is working with another Building Healthy Communities partner to help beautify the Home Cash Market. Ubuntu Green’s – Green Youth Leadership Team headed up a cleanup event in the lot behind the market. The Team recruited additional youth and adult volunteers to help them pick up trash, pull weeds, prune trees and more.

Alchemist CDC is currently conducting focus groups with residents of the Building Healthy Communities area. If you would like to participate in a focus group, please contact Davida Douglas at davida@alchemistcdc.org  for more information. To determine if you reside within the South Sacramento Building Healthy Communities area, please check the BHC map. If you would like to share your opinions, but do not wish to participate in a focus group, you may take an online survey here.  (Survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $20 Old Soul Co. gift certificate.)

Food, Fun(ds) and Farm Stands

Alchemist CDC thanks all who attended and contributed to our Food, Fun(ds) and Farm Stands event on June 9th at 40 Acres Art Gallery.

Attendees enjoyed great bluegrass music by Hot Tar Roofers, excellent food from local restaurants, and an assortment of fine wine and beer. Original art was on display from artist Adele James, as well as art from the Women’s Wisdom Project.

Special thanks to our sponsors and contributors:

Platinum Sponsor: The California Endowment
Gold Sponsor: Sacramento City Councilmember Rob Fong
Silver Sponsors: Sacramento Yolo Mutual Housing Association and Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer

This event was made possible by generous contributions of food, drink and decorations from: