2018 Annual Guide: Truro

Photo by Paige Biviano

That exploration launched Sustainable CAPE, a nonprofit dedicated to agricultural education and preservation. Randolph’s driving force behind the fair was education. “We want to educate people about local food, and how caring for our water and soil produces healthful food, which produces a healthful body, which produces a healthy community,” she says. Her focus on education found a natural forum in the local schools of Truro and ultimately surrounding towns. One of Randolph’s first endeavors was the first Children’s Community Garden, an after-school program delivered through Truro Recreation, which she created with Truro Public Library Assistant Director Maggie Hanelt, who runs the library’s youth services. They grew so much food in that Children’s Garden, fresh produce was delivered to Truro Elementary School, helping to create a Local Lunch Series, and gardening classes. Sustainable CAPE now teaches over 1,200 elementary students annually, from Brewster to Provincetown.

The next phase of Randolph’s commitment to the community of Truro emerged with her efforts to start the Truro Educational Farmers’ Market. Continuing her focus on education, Randolph has distinguished this market from others by incorporating Educational Boards, placards affixed to each of the farmers’ stalls. With artwork created by local children, each farmer provides little-known facts and points of interest as they pertain to the products they offer. The success of the Truro Farmers’ Market has surpassed everyone’s expectations and created a gathering place for the town’s residents and many visitors.

Randolph is also sensitive to the nutritional challenges segments of the population deal with on a daily basis. She says veterans, families receiving public assistance and seniors are incentivized to purchase fresh food at the Farmers’ Market. “We are taking money provided by the government for food and encouraging people to spend it on healthy food from local harvesters.”

A seed was planted in Truro when Francie Randolph moved to town, but her vision, commitment and understanding of the needs of the unique town have grown into a movement.

Julie Craven Wagner is the editor of Cape Cod HOME.