Community CROPS Pentzer Park Farmers' Market
Thursdays, June - Sept., 4:30-7:30pm
The Community CROPS Farmers' Market stands out from other markets. For one thing, all vendors can accept food stamps for eligible food items, the only market in the state that does that. Credit and debit cards can also be used - no worrying about bringing enough cash. The market is also small and friendly - there's time to really get to know the farmers who are growing the food you are buying. A nearby playground is great for kids. Each week, food samples will be available and there will be regular entertainment as well. Of course, you can buy all of the great fresh vegetables you expect at a market, from CROPS beginning farmers, as well as many other vendors.
In partnership with CROPS, Open Harvest sells bulk beans and grains each week at the market. Recipes are available to create nutritious meals using bulk foods along with fresh produce. Bulk foods are available as part of the USDA Community Food Project, From Garden to Table. Pentzer Park is just north of Holdrege on 27th. For more information on the market, please visit www.communitycrops.org or call 402-474-9802.
Community CROPS Plant Sale
Saturday, May 9, 1:30-4pm, West Gate Bank, 50th and O.
Come buy a great selection of vegetable, annual and perennial plants at the annual fundraiser for the community gardens. Plant donations of all kinds accepted in advance. Contact Community CROPS at 474-9802 or visit the website at www.communitycrops.org
Community CROPS Farmers Market Begins Thursday, July 17 2008
By Ingrid Kirst, Director, Community CROPS
A new farmers market is coming to Lincoln to showcase the diverse families who are growing food in our area. Beginning July 17, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and continuing every Thursday evening through September 18 at Pentzer Park (North 27th and Potter Streets), the Community CROPS Farmers Market will allow you to purchase delicious fresh foods, enjoy live entertainment, and learn about cooking with new foods.
Community CROPS: Combining Resources, Opportunities and People for Sustainability has been helping families grow food for themselves and the community for over five years. Throughout the city, a network of 14 community gardens provide space for those who want to grow their own food but don't have a place to do so. As an outgrowth of the gardens, the Urban Farming Project allows people to grow larger amounts of food and sell it at local outlets.
As part of the From Garden to Table USDA Community Food Project grant that is a partnership between Community CROPS, Open Harvest and Lincoln Parks and Recreation, we have funding to develop a new farmers market to provide another marketing opportunity for the farmers we work with, as well as be able to sell fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to low-income families. Open Harvest has been a great supporter of CROPS by purchasing vegetables from our farmers, providing donations and a lot of great input.
Thanks to the USDA and the Community Health Endowment, the market will be a reality this July. The market will have a number of vendors selling a variety of fruits, vegetables, baked goods and hot foods. This is the first farmers market in Nebraska set up to accept food stamps for all eligible food purchases, a practice used successfully throughout the country. At the central market manager's booth, a person with food stamps (Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT) will be able to swipe their card and receive tokens to spend at the market booths. At the end of the day, the vendors can turn the tokens in for reimbursement. Credit card customers will be able to use the system as well, and receive tokens of a different color that can be spent at any market booth. We are also working with the Wednesday Havelock farmers market to accept food stamps there.
With its location in a central Lincoln neighborhood park, the market will be accessible to everyone. Each week Lancaster County Extension and Open Harvest will provide demonstrations on cooking with new foods, and local musicians and artists will provide fun entertainment for the whole family.
Sign up for a Garden Plot
Community CROPS garden plot applications are now being accepted for locations all over Lincoln. Sign up now to reserve your space so you can grow food all summer long! Volunteers also welcomed. For further information see www.communitycrops.org or call 474-9802.
Community CROPS
Community CROPS: Combining Resources, Opportunities, and People for Sustainability helps refugee, immigrants and low-income people to grow food for themselves and for market. CROPS has 6 community gardens in Lincoln and works cooperatively on many more garden sites. CROPS is also part of Sunset Community Farms, which provides resources to beginning farmers.