Ypsilanti’s Farmers’ Market grows faster than the food it sells

Evidence of downtown Ypsilanti’s growing popularity is popping up everywhere this summer. The latest bit of good news comes courtesy of Ypsilanti’s Downtown Farmers’ Market.

The market has experienced a boom in attendance and vendors so far this summer. The market would typically attract about 450 people on a good day, during the busiest times in August and September. A new record of 763 customers was set in mid July and the number of participating vendors has jumped from 18 last year to 28 so far.

“Sales and attendance are booming,” says Rachel Chadderdon, the manager of Ypsilanti’s Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Growing Hope, Washtenaw County Public Health Department, MSU Extension Service, and Ypsilanti Food Co-op started the market in 2006 as a way to get more healthy food to the city’s residents. The market targets senior citizens and low-income residents, but everyone is welcome.

To accomplish this, the market is providing free bicycle delivery and volunteer assistance to seniors. It’s also finding a way to work federal food subsidies into the payment options for patrons.

The market is open on every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. in downtown Ypsilanti on the Key Bank parking lot at the corner of Michigan and Hamilton avenues. For information, send an email to info@growinghope.net or call (734) 786 8401.

Source: Growing Hope
Writer: Jon Zemke