Market Month One - Done!
As July comes to an end, we’re celebrating a successful first month of Pay What You Can markets! Groundwork Erie hosts two markets each week, supported by our Green Team youth.
Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm at ECAT (650 East Ave)
Fridays 12:00-2:00pm at 4th St Farm (310 E 4th St)
In our first four weeks of market, Groundwork Erie has served 261 people, giving out 812 pounds of food to the community! The motivation for these markets was to support our neighbors in their access to fresh, affordable foods from local farmers. With each person receiving an average of 3 pounds of produce at their own price, it seems like we’re on the right track!
MARKET GREEN TEAMER OF THE MONTH
PELAGY
Pelagy is a member of this summer’s Groundwork Green Team. She works each Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with the rest of her team on our 4th Street Community Farm to plant and harvest fruits, vegetables, and flowers that we can use at our PWYC farmers markets. Not only does she contribute to the behind-the-scenes work, but she also helps run both the Wednesday and Friday markets often.
Whenever Pelagy is working a market, she is diligent with her duties and caring to both the neighbors and her fellow Green Teamers. She views these markets as a way to “increase accessibility and inclusivity” - and she lives that out each week as she shares new recipes and different ways to cook produce with all. When asked her favorite market task, Pelagy explained that it was “to harvest the crop we grew…because while harvesting, you will eat some!” Don’t we all love a good, fresh snack!
Thank you Pelagy for all that you do for the Pay What You Can markets.
TALES FROM MARKET
One Wednesday this month welcomed us in the morning with dark skies and high humidity. The whole city of Erie was waiting for rain, and East Ave neighbors were waiting for produce.
Our Groundwork Erie team managed to set up our tent and tables before we took shelter underneath from the big downpour soon to come. We debated closing the stand down early if the storm got too heavy - and it did get heavy! Nevertheless, 21 people still stopped by in the two hours we were open.
People came with their umbrellas and raincoats. Others sprinted up in their soaked shorts and t-shirts. Some even stayed in their car as we packed their bags of produce for them. It was impressive to see neighbors brave the storm in search of fresh, local, affordable produce. Between those 21 people, this market gave out over 57 pounds of produce! It is clear that these Pay What You Can markets have an effect on our neighbors.
FARM SHOUTOUT - BLOOMING VALLEY FARMS
Farms around Erie County have paired with our PWYC coalition to support the work we have been doing in our city neighborhoods. Blooming Valley Farms, a family run farm, has worked with us since the emergence of the PWYC market stands. Their entire variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown naturally and sustainably. We love to have their fresh produce at our markets!
Tia Sue Spencer, our coalition’s main point of contact, has worked with us tirelessly over this first month to ensure each market has the produce they need. “I think fresh, healthy food should be available to everyone,” Tia Sue states. She continues her adoration for the PWYC model when she says, “This market gives them the opportunity to choose fresh fruits and vegetables and keep their dignity.” Autonomy and dignity are two of our main values when it comes to the market stands, and we’re grateful to have farmers like Tia Sue share our vision. She continues to go above and beyond for us always, and we are so happy to work with her.
Thanks Blooming Valley Farms!
MARKET SCHEDULE
We hope to see you soon to pay what you can for fresh, local produce!
Questions about getting involved in the Pay What You Can markets can be directed to erinfalk@groundworkerie.org
