The Marketing Plant recently announced the Albert Lea Farmers Market and the AZ-One organization have been selected as its 2016 Do Good recipients.

The Do Good is awarded annually to one not-for-profit organization whose do-good initiatives not only have a strong local impact, but also a greater-world impact. This year, The Marketing Plant has elected two organizations to receive a $10,000 contribution-in-kind of marketing services, which will be shared equally. Marketing services in the amount of $5,000 will go to the farmers market to help them grow into one of the best markets in Minnesota, and likewise, $5,000 of marketing services will be awarded to AZ-One to aid them in completing their vision of serving Jesus Christ by serving others.

The farmers market has been bringing fresh local produce and baked goods to the Freeborn County area for over 20 years. According to a press release, its mission is to supply the most nutritious food with the least amount of environmental impact for our future generations. They work diligently with the SNAP/EBT program to be able to get low income families eating locally healthy food, and in recent years are working with the Statewide Health Improvement Program for families that do not have access to fruits and vegetables. In 2016 the farmers market will be working with 4-H, the Headstart program and Blue Zone’s Project to bring an even greater experience to the farmers market.

AZ-One works with area churches to aid and organize in area service projects, leadership development, recovery from addiction, and also short-term missions with the goal being to get the church of Jesus Christ outside its walls to make an impact in the community. AZ-One also serves a village in Jamaica called Accompong, where they have implemented a farmer’s coop, a scholarship program, family ministry and leadership development to help the people of Accompong be spiritually healthy, financially independent and to have thriving families.