When markets discuss what the centralized card swiping systems add to their market, they often talk of shoppers not needing to stop for cash on an early Saturday morning or about being able to reintroduce markets to their low-income neighbors who want to use their electronic benefit program funds. Both reasons are extremely important but I often share the story of Crescent City Farmers Market’s use of the wooden token systems to highlight community. One of the loveliest examples of their system is the honoring of late local heroes on their tokens: founding CCFM farmer Billy Burkett, chef Jamie Shannon of Commander’s Palace, cultural cooking educator Lee Barnes and Tabasco company cook, farmer Jim Core and author Eula Mae Doré have been remembered this way.
Diana Pinckley, local community force and early CCFM board chairperson joined the others this year; her tragic passing in 2012 was a blow to many across the region who depended on her for advice, support and a pithy comment warmly offered.
Appropriately, Memorial Day weekend was chosen to offer the newest token and Diana’s husband and close friends toasted her with beet lemonade and proudly used “the Pinckley” to get their strawberries and shrimp.
I am reminded every time a token is unveiled how sweet it is for the honoree’s family and friends to see how the market community remembers them and how local currencies can do many things for a market besides offering a shortcut to sales. I am proud to see our New Orleans market lead in this way.
