Farmers Market at Ix Art Park, April 27, 2024
Hello Market Friends,
We’re already at the end of April, so the farms are in full production at the market. Between now and next month, you’ll find a great selection of seedlings and larger plants for your seasonal garden. If you are looking for native tree and shrub starts, Laurel Gardens has some interesting selections. If you were a fan of Grand View Nursery which closed last year, their main greenhouse grower is now working with vendor Chevy Chase Farm. They have a representative sampling at the Market at Ix, and they welcome customers to their greenhouses. For more information, visit them in spot #25 at the market. Most of the market farms carry vegetable and herb starts until June.
This week the UVA Biology Outreach and Inclusion team will set up an educational activity at the market. Ask at the managers booth for their location.
Market Central is currently writing a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant. You may be surprised to learn that the vendor fees do not cover the costs of managing the market. New food safety and crowd control regulations, trash management (to improve the compost and trash sorting stations), business development support for entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, marketing, and rental for the space exceed our income. The FMPP three year grant will help fund and improve programs. The grant, due on May 14, requires a 25% match. Please invest in your market with a donation. Pledge forms for larger pledges, payable only if we receive the grant, are available at the Market Central booth. We appreciate the support and input from the community.
The SNAP program continues, supporting the purchase of eligible food and food-producing plants, and matches SNAP benefits with VA Fresh Match incentive coupons for fruits, vegetables, edible plants and seeds.
The market is full this week. This link will get you to the Marketspread vendor list. Click on the market date for the corresponding map. The management is available at the Market Central booth for your needs.
Thank you