CKF – Learning Center
CKF Learning Center brings together practical guides, step-by-step series, tools, and resources to help people grow, make, sell, shop for, and better understand local food.
Practical Guides
Real-world advice
Stronger Communities
Local food, local people
A Brighter Tomorrow
Knowledge grows opportunity
Farmers Markets
Learn how to shop, plan, and ask better questions at the market.
Our Farmers Market guides help shoppers understand seasonal foods, plan better market visits, use available benefit programs, talk with vendors, and build stronger connections with local food producers.
- Why Farmers Market Produce Changes by Season
- What to Expect at Your First Farmers Market
- How to Shop at a Farmers Market
- How Farmers Markets Support Local Communities
- How to Use SNAP, WIC, and Senior Benefits at Farmers Markets
- How to Talk to Farmers and Vendors
- How to Plan a Weekly Farmers Market Trip
- What “Local” Means at a Farmers Market
Starting & Running a Roadside Stand Series
Build the business first. Build the stand second.
A practical step-by-step series for families considering a roadside stand—from the first family discussion and local rules through testing demand, pricing, daily operation, and thoughtful growth.
- Is a Roadside Stand Right for Our Family?
- Before You Spend Thousands, Check the Rules
- Test Your Roadside Stand Idea Before You Build It
- A Beautiful Stand in the Wrong Place Still Won’t Sell
- What Will People Actually Buy?
- Are You Making Money — or Just Selling Food? Coming soon
- Build Only What the Business Has Earned Coming soon
- Why Drivers Keep Passing Your Stand Coming soon
- Opening Day Is Only the Beginning Coming soon
- Don’t Let the Stand Take Over Your Life & Avoid Burnout Coming soon
- Grow — or Stay Small Coming soon
Cottage Food Business Essentials
Start with the decisions that shape every sale.
Practical, plain-language guides to help cottage food producers price their work, compare ingredient sources, protect quality, and make careful business decisions.
