Southside Farmers Market Opens for Another Season
Fresh produce returns to Walker-Ford on May 23
May 20, 2019
After a successful inaugural year, the Southside Farmers Market will soon return for its 2019 season. Filled with all the activities, events and fresh produce that the community has come to enjoy, the grand re-opening of the Southside Farmers Market will take place on Thursday, May 23, from 3-7 p.m. at the Walker-Ford Community Center, located at 2301 Pasco St. Vendors will be selling fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, eggs, seafood and more.
“The City of Tallahassee is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Beyond making fresh food more accessible in an area described as a food desert, the Southside Farmers Market helps address poverty and strengthens economic development and social bonds,” City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said. “I encourage everyone to experience this vibrant addition to our parks program that promotes healthy living.”
The grand re-opening event will feature a cooking demonstration, celebrity chefs making smoothies, food trucks, live entertainment, homemade products from local entrepreneurs and local radio personality Joe Bullard broadcasting live on location. Those who participate in the health and wellness activities, such as getting a free blood pressure screening or joining in a Zumba lesson, will be eligible to receive a free Southside Farmers Market T-shirt (while supplies last). Coupon vouchers for fresh produce and frequent guest cards will also be available, and those who visit the market at least six times will be eligible for a drawing. The prizes consist of items from the partners and local vendors such as T-shirts, produce, healthy eating books and homemade soap.
The Southside Farmers Market will be open every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 3-7 p.m. from May through December. For a complete list of future market days visit, Talgov.com/FarmersMarket.
The Southside Farmers Market Fresh Food Rx program is also underway. This program provides an educational and skill-building experience for participants to help them better manage behaviors affecting nutrition and health. Through the eight-week program, a nutritionist hosts classes on diabetes self-management and optimal fruit and vegetable consumption, among other topics. The Fresh Food Rx program also offers market vouchers for participants managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease to ensure they can purchase quality, fresh food and implement the new skills they’ve learned.
The Southside Farmers Market was recently recognized as Best Neighborhood Program for Social Revitalization/Neighborliness at the annual conference for Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA), a national, non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations.
The Southside Farmers Market is a collaborative effort between the City of Tallahassee, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Invest Health, area neighborhood associations, CarePoint Health & Wellness, Neighborhood Medical Services, Bond Health Care Center, Whole Child Leon, UF/IFAS Leon County Extension, Tallahassee Food Network, Second Harvest of the Big Bend and others.
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