"The need to make people feel welcomed is important," Shana Smith, coordinator of the North End Farmers' Market explained. In a community where there is a shortage of supermarkets offering fresh produce, farmers' markets have become a vital nutritional source. Local residents filled the lawn and parking lot of the North End Senior Center on Conventry St. this past Tuesday to shop at the Farmers Market. Organizing by the Hartford Food System.
There are 5 easily accessibly Farmers Markets in Hartford apart of Oh SNAP! Hartford.
Residents are encouraged to purchase fresh food by stretching their Supplemental Food Assistance Program dollars. Through Oh SNAP! Hartford, a collaboration between several farmers' markets in the region, and the revitalize initiative (started by the Urban Alliance) fresh food is now a possibility in areas deemed food deserts.
Cash, Credit, Debit, SNAP/EBT, and WIC checks are all forms of payment that can be exchanged for these revitalized dollars
Residents were directed to the pink tent to make their currency exchange. Nikki and Bianca of Urban Alliance manned the tent with patience and grace as they completed community surveys and handed out free tote bag
Bianca explained that senior residents were also able to partake in the program by exchanging their WIC checks for bucks to spend at the market. The surveys, explained Bianca, were an effort to better cater the market to the community's need. Shana reiterated this community's needs. Shana reiterated this sentiment emphasizing the desire for a culturally sensitive farmer's market.
One of the local residents, Clara from the North End, emphasized the value of having a farmer's market so close to their home. She was pleased with the services that were being offered at the market and hoped that they would offer some more root vegetables.
All of the food sold at the farmers market are fresh and organically grown.
Several local farmers took part in the event. Barbecho's Harvest farm sponsored by KNOX had a gorgeous array of zucchini, summer squash, and a variety of greens.
Riverview Farm based in Coventry also offered a variety of summer squashes. The mother and son team hustled to take care of customers at their stand.
Grow Hartford, an organization advocating against food injustice, displayed offerings from their garden program located a few blocks away from the senior center.
The North End Farmers' Market also includes many other local farmers, handmade jewelry stands, fashionable clothing stands, healthy food education and recipes, and live music.
If you are interested in learning more about the North End Farmers' Market as well as other farmer's market in Hartford, contact Hartford Food Systems, Inc. Headquarters 190 Wethersfield Avenue Hartford, C.T. 06114; call (860) 296 - 9325 or email: hartfordfood@hartfordfood.org
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