SitemapOver the past couple of years, the Valley has lost a lot of its
grocery stores, leaving many people without a place to get food. But, farmers markets are a great way to increase food access to those here in the Valley and to fuel the local economy.
Starting today, both the Warren and Idora Neighborhood
farmers markets kick off. The Warren Farmers Market runs from 3-6 p.m. and the
Idora Neighborhood Farmers Market runs from 4:30-7 p.m. Both markets will be
going on every Tuesday for the rest of the season. “It’s a huge resource for
all the members of the neighborhood and the community,” said Anthony Florig,
Idora Neighborhood Farmers Market. The Idora Neighborhood Farmers Market is
located at 2600 Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown and the Warren Farmers Market is
on Courthouse Square in Warren. Both spots do not have nearby grocery stores. “Grocery
stores are of course an important resource — we all use them. But, a farmers
market shaves so many miles off the food distribution channels,” said Matt
Martin, Warren Farmers Market. These farmers markets offer fruits and
vegetables grown right here in the Valley, like apples, tomatoes and cucumbers.
“We want to promote a local food economy and basically make sure everyone has
access to fresh fruits and vegetables that we have,” Martin said. Both markets
accept food assistance cards and you can double your money. “I can swipe your
Snap card for $30 and you get $60 to spend at the market,” Florig said. Transportation
can be a big problem for those who don’t live near the markets. So, to help
create more access in Warren, Martin says the Warren Farmers Market offers free
transportation to and from the market for anyone living in Warren. “We [want
to] expand the market to include everyone in our city that has limited access
to fresh local food. That’s why we have the double your dollars, the free
transportation,” Martin said. To get a free ride to the Warren Farmers Market,
all you have to do is call or text 330-599-9275.
To read the full story from WKBN, click here.