The CropCart Markets One Health Award
Highlighting organizations that strengthen local food systems, environmental health, and community wellbeing
What is One Health?
One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
How Farmers Markets Embody One Health
Farmers markets sit at the intersection of all three pillars. They provide direct access to nutrient-dense foods that improve human health. They support farmers who practice sustainable agriculture that protects our environment. And they create community spaces where neighbors connect, local economies thrive, and food traditions are preserved. When we strengthen farmers markets, we strengthen the entire One Health ecosystem.
Why We Created This Award
The CropCart Markets One Health Award was born from a simple realization: local food systems are not just about food. They are a critical piece of public health infrastructure.
Elijah St. John, founder of CropCart Markets, first encountered the One Health framework while pursuing his Master of Public Health at George Washington University. The concept immediately resonated with his work building a national farmers market directory.
"I kept seeing the same pattern: communities with strong farmers markets had better health outcomes, more environmental awareness, and stronger social bonds. These were not separate phenomena. They were interconnected. That is One Health in action."
CropCart Markets was built to support this ecosystem by making it easier for people to discover farmers markets, for vendors to reach new customers, and for communities to strengthen their local food systems. The One Health Award extends this mission by recognizing organizations doing exceptional work at the intersection of food, environment, and community health.
We believe that by highlighting these organizations, we can inspire others, create connections, and build momentum for a healthier food system for all.
What the Award Represents
Recipients of the CropCart Markets One Health Award demonstrate exceptional commitment to:
Strengthening Local Food Systems
Building infrastructure that connects farmers with communities
Environmental Sustainability
Practicing or promoting regenerative agriculture
Improving Food Access
Ensuring fresh, healthy food reaches underserved communities
Community-Level Impact
Creating meaningful change at the local level
Education and Awareness
Teaching others about food systems and health
Selection Criteria
Organizations are selected based on the following criteria:
Demonstrated Community Impact
Measurable positive outcomes for the communities they serve, whether through increased food access, improved health metrics, or economic benefits for local farmers.
Alignment with One Health Principles
Work that recognizes and addresses the interconnection between human health, environmental health, and food systems.
Engagement with Local Food Systems
Direct involvement with farmers markets, local farms, community gardens, or other local food infrastructure.
Innovation or Leadership
Pioneering new approaches, scaling successful models, or demonstrating thought leadership in the food systems space.
Featured Organizations
March 2026 Recipients
This month, we recognize ten organizations making exceptional contributions to food systems, environmental health, and community wellbeing.
Urban farming organization providing fresh produce to food deserts while training the next generation of urban farmers.
Read MoreAfro-Indigenous centered community farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system.
Read MoreConnecting local farms with schools and communities to build a healthier, more sustainable food system.
Read MoreTransforming vacant lots into productive urban farms while providing job training and fresh food access.
Read MoreBuilding local food economies that support farmers and ensure healthy food access in Appalachia.
Read MoreOperating mobile farmers markets and nutrition education programs in underserved Bay Area communities.
Read MoreBuilding self-reliance, food security, and justice in Detroit's Black community through urban agriculture.
Read MorePioneering SNAP incentive programs that make fresh produce affordable at farmers markets nationwide.
Read MoreLeading research and education on regenerative organic agriculture for over 75 years.
Read MoreConnecting schools with local farms to serve fresh, healthy meals while supporting local agriculture.
Read MoreDisplay Your Award
Award recipients are encouraged to display the CropCart Markets One Health Award badge on their website, promotional materials, and social media.
CropCart Markets One Health Award – 2026
<a href="https://www.cropcartmarkets.com/one-health-award">
<img src="https://www.cropcartmarkets.com/images/one-health-award-badge.png"
alt="CropCart Markets One Health Award 2026"
width="150" />
</a>Nominate an Organization
Know an organization doing exceptional work at the intersection of food systems, environmental health, and community wellbeing? We want to hear about them.
From Organizations to Local Vendors
Many organizations recognized through the One Health Award work closely with local farmers, food producers, and market vendors. CropCart Markets also highlights these vendors through our Featured Vendor program.
👉 Feature Your Vendor Profile