Your guide to buying local this summer
April (snow) showers bring May flowers...and fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Summer is right around the corner, and so are your opportunities to shop fresh and healthy while supporting local growers in North Minneapolis this season.
By Cirien Saadeh | Staff Reporter
McKinley Community: McKinley neighborhood offers a community garden, community supported agriculture (CSA) service, and market. The McKinley Community CSA serves 10 people, offering full-and-half-shares. According to Serendripity Spot shopkeeper Kelley Skumautz, who shares a space with the CSA, there is still time to sign up for a share. Full-shares are $300 and include 12-15 weeks of produce; half-shares are $150 and include at least 7 weeks of produce. Shares can be purchased with cash, check, or credit card. For more information, contact Serendripity Spot by calling 612- 564-3478 or by stopping by. The McKinley Community Garden is tended by local farmer Regina Carter. Carter says community members will also be able to buy garden produce from Serendripity Spot and the West Broadway Farmers Market.
West Broadway Farmers Market: The West Broadway Farmers Market will kick off its eighth year on Friday, June 15 from 3-7pm. According to market manager DeVon Nolen, this year’s market will look a lot like last year’s. “Consistency is important with Northsiders,” she said. Nolen says the market will continue to be held at Freedom Square (2034 West Broadway Ave) and will continue to include an opening drum call and closing line dance. Northside vendors will continue to be prioritized, even as the market expands. The market is under new fiscal management this year. Appetite for Change has taken over the market from the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition.
Camden Farmers Market: The Camden Farmers Market will be back again on June 7. It is still managed by Chaz Sandifer of Noir Elite Fitness, but it will now be hosted by Pillsbury United Communities in the parking lot of North Market on 44th and Humboldt. The market will be open every Thursday from 3-7pm through Oct. 11. Look out for a launch event for the Camden Farmers Market and North Market partnership on May 19. “The need for fresh food and a fresh, healthy environment is needed. Plus it brings the community together,” said Sandifer. Community members should expect to see the knife-off and local food trucks back at this year’s market. The market accepts EBT, SNAP, and Market Bucks.
Goddard’s Gardens: From May 1-July 4, vegetables, herbs, and other greenery will be for sale at the brand new “Goddard’s Gardens” garden mart outside the Goddess of Glass on the corner of Penn and 44th Ave. N. The shop is open every day from 9am-6pm. Find them on Facebook at @Goddard’s Gardens.
Twin Cities Mobile Market: The Twin Cities Mobile Market continues to bring fresh and healthy food, including produce, dairy products, lean meats, and basic dry goods to North Minneapolis. All you have to do is hop on their bus! The market accepts SNAP/EBT, cash, and credit/ debit card. WIC is not currently accepted. Find their schedule online: https://www.wilder.org/ Programs-Services/tcmm/Pages/ Mobile-Market-Map.aspx
Upcoming Events
5/19, 9am - 2pm: There will be a plant distribution event at Sanctuary Covenant Church’s parking lot. The event will include a free meal, children’s activities, composting and gardening activities, and giveaways.
The Northside Growers Collective is coordinating volunteer support for Cleveland, Folwell, Hawthorne, Jordan, and McKinley community gardens for spring, summer, and fall. Volunteers with all levels of experience, ability, and/or commitment are welcome. Call 612-564-3478 or email info@serendripityspot.com with questions, comments, or concerns. Volunteer activities include preparing soil, planting seeds, watering and weeding the garden, and harvesting produce.