As Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.), a proud member of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2026, the nonprofit continues to drive meaningful change in Atlantic County. With a mission to alleviate food insecurity, C.R.O.P.S. is building a healthier, more resilient community by supporting local farms, expanding access to fresh, affordable produce, and championing sustainable food systems.
At the core of their work is a holistic approach that blends agricultural support, education, advocacy, and food access. C.R.O.P.S. connects communities to nutritious, locally grown food through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. With funding from the CRDA, the organization has expanded its presence in Atlantic City—strengthening food infrastructure through collaborations with corner stores, food pantries, SNAP-, WIC- and S/FMNP-accessible farmers markets, and system-wide initiatives.
On June 13, C.R.O.P.S. celebrated the launch of the New Roots Fresh Stop Markets mobile app and the introduction of Fresh Stop Markets in New Jersey. This tech-forward initiative is designed to increase food equity by bringing farm-fresh produce directly to communities. The model emphasizes ease and equity for both families and farmers, using a sliding scale pricing system and a reliable ordering structure that ensures accessibility without compromising fair compensation. Event highlights included a virtual tour of the mobile app, a live demo and Q&A session with developers, and opportunities to engage with local farmers and food justice advocates. Since the launch in June, C.R.O.P.S. has added two new farm share pick-up locations in two other neighborhoods in Atlantic City, bringing the total to three pick-up sites across the city.
C.R.O.P.S. and New Roots are reimagining food access and community development, creating a model that links economic vitality with food justice. The New Roots Fresh Stop Markets App is now available on iOS and Android.
For more information about C.R.O.P.S., visit www.cropsnj.org. To learn more about the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, visit www.acchamber.com or contact info@acchamber.com.
