produce - WKTV Journal

At the Metro Health Farm Market, not every booth is farm produce – some are fine crafts, coffees and spices, offering shoppers a variety of local goods to choose from.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

This year’s biggest hurdle for the Metro Farm Market has not been COVID but the cold weather.

“Some of the farmers have told us that due to the cold snap, they may not have as many things when we open,” said Metro Health’s Head of Community Health and Wellness Michelle Rademacher. “These farmers have experienced this before and I know what to do and some of them have been pretty clever at helping to keep their crops going.

But the cold has had some impact, Rademacher said, which means that there may not be as many produce options when the market opens this Thursday at the Metro Health – University of Michigan Wyoming campus, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. The market runs from 9 am. – 2 p.m. and entrance is free.

“We are really excited to be able to operate with an almost full market,” Rademacher said, adding the market will be offering punch cards this year and food samplings.

Signage at the Metro Health Farm Market will remind patrons of social distancing guidelines. (WKTV)

About 34 vendors will be on-site selling produce and food products, including baked goods and cheeses. Artisan vendors will be providing handmade items such as clothing and wooden toys.

Rademacher said the market will be following all Center for Disease Control guideline as well as the Michigan Farmers Market Associations recommended best practices. Vendors will be safely spaced apart, and there will be clearly marked signage reminding customers to social distance. Hand sanitizing stations will be set up through the market as a reminder to shoppers to sanitize their hands.

Customers are encouraged to let vendors handle touching all products. Rademacher said food sampling will be allowed this year, but samples must be pre-packaged off site.

While the market is an open-air environment, vendors will be expected to wear masks and customers are highly encouraged to do the same.

Rademacher said they are excited to bring back the punchcard, which is free. Patrons visiting the market will be able to get the card punch and after five punches, will be able to receive a free market tote bag.

“We are excited to be able to offer a positive experience to our community by having a more normal year for the market that will service their needs,” Rademacher said. “This is a great opportunity for the community to do some healthy shopping, be out in the fresh air and purchase their produce for the week.”

On average, the Metro Health Farm Market sees up to 1,300 people daily during the peak season. as in past years, the market will continue to accept EBT/SNAP dollars and WIC/Senior Fresh coupons.

The Metro Health Farm Market will run each Thursday through early October. For more information, visit www.metrohealth.net.

By Jennifer Hoff

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

One of the most vibrant farm markets in West Michigan returns to the campus of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health for its 14th season beginning Thursday, May 11.

The Metro Health Farm Market expects to welcome about 35 local vendors on opening day, adding another 20 or so as the weather warms. For the 2017 season, the farm market will be open every Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, May 11 through Oct. 12.

“A healthy community starts with a healthy diet,” says Mike Faas, chief executive officer of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “Metro Health isn’t here just to treat illness. We’re here to be a complete wellness resource. Providing access to affordable, healthy food is part of our responsibility to the community.”

The Metro Health Farm Market is located on the grounds of Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW in Wyoming, adjacent to the Village Green.

Though best known for fresh fruits and vegetables, it also offers baked goods, homemade foods, plants and hand-crafted items. Vendors come from throughout West Michigan.

“We aim for a mix of about three food vendors to every one crafter,” says Emil Hannesson, farm market manager. “Our priority is to support sustainable local farms selling their own produce.”

One such vendor is Austhof’s Farm in Grandville, which returns to the Metro Health Farm Market for its seventh season.

“The Metro market is the place to be in the summer,” says Tamryn Austhof of Austhof’s Farm. “We love it because it delivers such a strong sense of community and such a broad variety of vendors.”

The fare is so diverse that the market publishes a weekly recipe featuring produce from vendors. The Farm Market Recipe of the Week is distributed at the on-site information booth and available on the Metro Health website.

Daily attendance at the Metro Health Farm Market averages well over 1,000. Shoppers come from the surrounding Wyoming community, as well as throughout the greater Grand Rapids area.

“Many of our customers are low income, with few options for fresh, affordable produce,” Hannesson says. “The Farm Market supports community health by making it easier for these customers to choose nutritious food.”

About one-third of customers pay using government assistance. The Farm Market accepts SNAP Bridge Cards, WIC Project FRESH and Senior Project FRESH.

The Farm Market also participates in Double Up Food Bucks, a state assistance program that helps low-income people stretch their food dollars. When SNAP shoppers spend at the Farm Market, they’re eligible for matching funds to buy Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables—up to $20 each market day.

Beyond its role as a source of fresh, affordable produce, the Metro Health Farm Market also serves as a place for the community to come together. That’s especially true when market days coincide with the following special events planned for the Metro Health Village Green: