By Fiona Stoner
Northside Farmers Market

This year marks the 13th summer season of the Northside Farmers Market. We are a well-established part of the community now, thanks to all the customers, vendors and volunteers who make it happen. The lead-up to the market started in 2003 when community members organized the Northside Community Co-op (NCC) in response to the closing of Kohl’s grocery store.

Willy Street Co-op provided tremendous support by adding the Northside TownCenter in the market study it was conducting to determine the economic viability of a grocery store in the area. A $6,000 investment from Willy Street Co-op was a gift to the NCC as part of their core principle to demonstrate “cooperation among cooperatives.” In the years since that study, the NCC dissolved after the farmers market was established and Willy Street Co-op now resides in the Northside TownCenter.

Today the market continues to be a hub of activity Sunday mornings and an opportunity for you to talk with and purchase directly from the people producing your food. The dining tents are set up so you can enjoy smoothies or fresh tamales, and musicians are frequently on hand to help enhance the community atmosphere.

Join us June 11 for Knit in Public Day. It will be one day later than the worldwide event, but it’s an opportunity too good to pass up. We also celebrate Father’s Day June 18; stop by the information booth where we will have a little something to thank Dad on his special day.

The Double Dollars program will be available at the Northside Farmers Market starting June 3. Recipients of SNAP can come to the information booth to access this additional benefit. The entire community can support the Double Dollars program by making a donation through Community Action Coalition’s website, npo.justgive.org/cacscw. Select “Double Dollars” from the program menu.

The Northside Farmers Market happens every Sunday, 8:30 am–12:30 pm, from May 7 to Oct. 22 at the Northside TownCenter, 2817 N. Sherman Ave. Find us at the base of Willy Street Co-op’s parking lot, across from Warner Park. Our location makes it easy to get to by walking, bus, bicycle or car, with plenty of parking available.

Sign up for our newsletter (northsidefarmersmarket.org) and find us on Facebook (facebook.com/MadisonNFM) to join our page and receive updates as the season begins.