61st Street Farmers Market
In a study funded by LaSalle Bank, entitled "The Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Chicago," Mari Galligher, the study's author, identified the Woodlawn neighborhood as one of Chicago's "food deserts." Of course, we who live and work here did not need a study to know that Woodlawn suffers from a dearth of available fresh and wholesome foods. We are reminded of the lack of food resources every time we need a gallon of milk or hanker for a piece of fruit. According to Galligher, the consequence for Woodlawners is an egregiously high rate of diabetes and other food-related health problems.
A 50-year history of economic divestment in Woodlawn has until now made it impossible to attract supermarket chains or other retailers, which are loathe to be the first to invest in the neighborhood. Moreover, a lack of sound urban planning and poor political leadership has resulted in the eradication of the once-existing commercial district that, in the past, thrived with small businesses and that, until this last decade, continued to hold out the possibility of a commercial renaissance.
That the economically disadvantaged are given access only to food that we call 'junk' is a political issue. That the economically disadvantaged lack access to nutrition education is a political issue. That the economically disadvantaged are deprived of a healthy and positive relationship to food—one of our most fundamental cultural expressions—is a political issue. These are political issues because all of these conditions can be changed.
With the assistance of an active group of volunteers, the Experimental Station launched the 61st Street Farmers Market in May 2008 with the following goals in mind: 1) to create an oasis in the local 'food desert' by providing residents throughout the Woodlawn neighborhood and the surrounding areas with the opportunity to buy fresh, regionally grown farm products that are nutritious and affordable, and that specifically cater to the culinary needs of Southside Chicago's diverse population; 2) to provide a direct marketing opportunity for producers of Midwestern, regionally grown agricultural and other farm-related products; 3) to reflect the diverse demographic composition of the local community by seeking to recruit regional agricultural producers and vendors of African-American descent; 4) to create a place to educate consumers about health and nutrition, including how food is grown, produced, or prepared; 5) to provide a community activity that celebrates the vitality and diversity of Chicago's south side; 6) to make fresh, affordable produce available to seniors and to people using LINK and the Farmers Market Senior Nutrition program.
Now in our second year, the 61st Street Farmers Market has become a vibrant hub of community life. Our motto is "Connect with your food." Through the Market, we hope that our customers will connect with the farmers and producers of the food that they purchase, that they reconnect with their (often lost) food culture, and that they connect with one another. With over twenty vendors, the Market offers locally and sustainably grown, seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, bakery items, eggs and dairy products, prepared foods and flowers. In addition, every market day features educational activities for adults and children at the Market School, as well as chef demonstrations by Chicago chefs.
The 61st Street Farmers Market runs outdoors every Saturday (9am-2pm) from mid-May thru October. In November and December the Market continues indoors (10am-1pm) at the Experimental Station. The 61st Street Farmers Market accepts LINK and Senior Coupons.
If you would like to get involved, please send us an email at info@experimentalstation.org.