June 7 - September 27, 2012. 3-7pm. The David D. Hunting Parking lot.

Grand Rapids, MI – The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is kicking off their Farmers Market for the second year in its continuing effort to provide affordable locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and grass-fed beef to workers and center-city residents.

“Year one provided to be a very good one for the YMCA Farmers Market” said Nicole Hansen, Healthy Living Operations Director for the YMCA. Hansen also cited in the report; “We recruited 18 vendors to participate in the market, which was the maximum that the space allowed. Unfortunately, we had more vendors interested than our space allowed. The main goal of the project was to expand local and rural economies. The objectives included improving food access to Grand Rapids’ underserved communities to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, plus fostering job creation and increasing the economic viability of local farmers in west Michigan by establishing a new urban farmers market.”

Vendors for the first market

Goen’s Produce – Allendale, MI
Fruits, veggies, and eggs from their farm

Grassfields Cheese – Coopersville, MI
Raw milk, all-natural Dutch cheeses

The Great Bread Company – Allendale, MI
Homemade, hearty, and gourmet breads

Healthy Pantry Bars – Grand Rapids, MI
All natural granola bars

Hubbert’s Kettle Corn – Wayland, MI
Freshly popped kettle corn

Hudsonville Honey – Hudsonville, MI
Honey, beeswax candles and lip balm

Klein Cider Mill and Market – Sparta, MI
All natural cider, flowers, beef, fruits, and veggies from their farm

Meza Farm – Hudsonville, MI
Fruits and veggies from their family farm

“R” Farm Gardens and Market – Belding, MI
Heirloom vegetables, Eden Foods organic products

Payment Options

Cash, Credit, Debit, Bridge Cards, WIC, Senior Project FRESH benefits are welcome. We are a proud participant in Double Up Food Bucks as well.

Hansen went on to say, “We are planning on expanding the Farmers Market to 20 stalls this year. Also we are adding new offerings such as flower vendors and vendors that make items like kettle corn and homemade granola bars. The goal is to make the market more of a one-stop shop.”

The YMCA Farmers Market will start operations Thursday June 7, 2012; hours will be from 3:00-7:00pm every Thursday from June 7 to September 27, 2012.

YMCA Veggie Van

The YMCA Farmers Market will service the Y’s four Healthy Living Hubs through its Veggie Van which will provide access to locally grown fresh produce for central city residents, as well as restock produce to all four hub locations.

The YMCA Healthy Living Hubs

• New Hope Baptist Church – 130 Delaware Street Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49507-1051
• Baxter Community Center – 935 Baxter Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-2500
• Roosevelt Park Ministries 1530 Grandville Avenue Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-8046
• South End Community Outreach Center (SECOM) 1545 Buchanan Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

For more information go to

• grymca.org/outreach/veggie-van
• grymca.org/outreach/2012-farmers-market
• grymca.org/outreach/community-based-programs

Founded in 1886, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is composed of eight branches that serve 183,611 in the greater Grand Rapids community. All programs are structured to develop the YMCA’s Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion. The vision of the YMCA is to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

###