Inkster Farmers' Market Returns for Another Year

The 2024 Inkster Farmer's Market will open on Wednesday, June 5 at a new location: the old city hall and amphitheater located at 27301 South River Park Drive, near the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Inkster Road. The farmer's market will operate every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. through September 4. The Inkster Farmer's Market has been growing steadily since its first operations began in 2021, says Joyce Phillips, Certified Market Manager for the City of Inkster. "It came to fruition by way of a grant from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) because this is such an underserved area. There is no supermarket in the city of Inkster, there is no source for fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, so that was the reason we qualified for the grant," she adds.

Phillips operates a farm at her home, growing vegetables and raising chickens. She provide produce for the Inkster Farmer's Market and says the market has partnered with Detroit's Eastern Market, which brings a pop-up fresh produce stand to Inkster's market. Sandra Johnson serves on the Farmer's Market Planning Committee for Inkster and says last year she got youngsters from her youth ministry involved, instructing them in tending a small garden and providing green beans to sell. She says the youth are eager to participate again this summer.

The Farmer's Market is more than just emphasis on fresh, locally-grown produce. Phillips says other vendors will be offering items such as baked goods, jams and jellies, fresh local honey, and snack foods. Crafters and artisans will have a variety of items for sale while local non-profit organizations will be present with tables full of informational brochures for residents. Healthy cooking demonstrations will take place as well. Community activities will be part of the evenings also with events such as lawn games, exercise lessons, and fun for kids to draw families to the market. "Yes, it is a farmer's market and being a farmer, I wanted it to lean more towards farming, but we know this is a diverse community so we have to be diverse and bring other things that we know will bring people to the market." The new market location was the suggestion of Mayor Byron Nolen who thought bringing positive activity to the idle city-owned property just east of Inkster Road could begin a revival of the city's downtown region. The market is supported by sponsors which include the Inkster Task Force, the National Kidney Foundation, and Eastern Market.

The market will accept SNAP EBT and Senior Market Fresh as payment and organizers are working to add other state-supported nutrition programs to assist shoppers with their purchases. The Inkster Farmer's Market is continuing to accept interested vendors. "Just come on out and have fun," says Johnson. "This is a fun place, walk around and get something to eat, we have good food."

"It's a nice community outing, that's what I like about it," echoes Phillips.

To find out more about the Inkster Farmer's Market, go to https://www.itffarmersmarket.org/