Every Wednesday from June through September, the York Road Initiative hosts the Govanstowne Farmers’ Market. The market is located in Motor Pool, with a collection of tents selling everything from plants, barbecue, steamed crab, pie, and fresh vegetables.

Govanstowne Farmers’ Market was created in 2011 with the goal of providing fresh food to a community in which it is otherwise inaccessible and unaffordable, known as a food desert. In Baltimore City alone, one in four people are living in a food desert.

That’s why vendors like Stoecker Farms, Little Gunpowder Farms, Rastafarmi, and Shaw Orchards, who offer discounted prices on fresh and delicious food at Govanstowne, are so important to the community.

“The market is a hub of community. It is one of the only places on the entire corridor where you’ll see people come together from all different backgrounds and neighborhoods,” Assistant Director for the York Road Initiative and manager of the market Marie Anderson said.

The reason it is so accessible to the community is because they accept all forms of payment – Food Stamps, SNAP, WIC, and a multitude of other federal and state forms of aid.

Loyola has provided a physical space at Motor Pool for the market to be held every week, so that most of the customers are living next to or close enough to the market and are able to come every week. Since Loyola provides the market with funds as well as resources, it is easier for vendors to do simple things, like using credit cards thanks to Loyola’s machines.

“For students who want fresh produce and can’t make it to the farmers’ market,” Anderson said. “I would encourage them to shop at local corner stores participating in the FreshCrate Program.

Anderson also notes the importance of supporting local businesses. “The easiest way to be an active citizen is by being conscious of where you’re dollars are going and who they’re going to,” she said.

If you are interested in seeing the market to eat, talk, or buy artisan jewelry, the last one until next June is today, Wednesday September 27, from 3-7pm.

For students interested in participating in this process, and eager support local initiatives that provide easy access to fresh food, there is a new position available at CCSJ. Email Adelina Harvery at [email protected] for more details.

*Image courtesy of Loyola University Maryland Website