By Fiona Stoner
Northside Farmers Market

Every Sunday from set up at 7:30 am to take-down at 12:30 pm, we not only create the Northside Farmers Market tents, tables and chairs; we also create a space for collaborations that develop when people talk face-to-face. Vendors work with each other to trade goods and ideas, nonprofits (like the Madison Area Master Gardeners Association) set up tables to offer services and information and ask for volunteers. There are also collaborations with various businesses located at Northside TownCenter.

I learned more about The River Food Pantry when they had a table to provide information and seek volunteers. I thought they ran a food pantry, served meals and accepted produce from market vendors. They do so much more. Did you know The River delivers lunches to several Northside locations every weekend and adds weekday deliveries when school is out? It is an impressive commitment to food access for our Northside neighbors. Learn more about MUNCH (Madison Unites to Nourish Children at Home) on their website riverfoodpantry.org.

I was pleasantly surprised to read the Willy Street Co-op June newsletter and find an article titled “Volunteer Opportunities at the Farmers Markets,” by Amanda Ikens, owner resources coordinator at the East store. She encouraged readers who “have an interest in food security and helping people get the most with their food dollar” to volunteer at any of the several farmers’ markets in the area. As a result of her article, we had three new volunteers offer to help on a regular basis.

What collaborations and idea sharing do you see at the Northside Farmers Market? I’d love to chat with you some Sunday; I am usually at or near the information booth. 

The Northside Farmers Market happens every Sunday morning from May to Oct. 20, 8:30 am–12:30 pm, at the Northside TownCenter, 2817 N. Sherman Ave. Find us at the base of the Willy Street Co-op 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/madNFM) to join our page and receive updates.