The North City Farmers’ Market kicks off its second season on Saturday June 7th with the kick of a homegrown habanero and will feature a heaping helping of something for everyone. Open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the grand opening will feature a live cooking demonstration by Alderwoman April Ford-Griffin, live music by Eric McSpadden and Margaret Bianchetta, a performance by local opera singer Marlissa Hudson (who was recently featured on Fox 2 News); free bike giveaways, free barbeque, health screenings, and activities for children.

President of the St. Louis Board of Alderman Lewis Reed will be attending the grand opening, in addition to City of St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green, City of St. Louis License Collector Mike McMillan, City of St. Louis Public Safety Director Charles Bryson, Alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr., and other notable dignitaries.

The North City Farmers’ market is located in the newly renovated Crown Square, formerly known as the 14th Street Mall, at the intersection of 14th and St. Louis Avenue (across the street from Crown Candy). The North City Farmers’ Market is especially proud to be able to take Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, as well as cash and vouchers given away at local food pantries.

The North City Farmers’ Market delivers quality vegetables, fruits, baked goods, hot food, crafts, flowers and much more to the residents of Old North St. Louis, St. Louis Place, Hyde Park and north St. Louis as a whole. The departure of many grocery store chains from the area has left behind only gas stations and convenience stores that feature high-priced, low-nutrition foodstuffs that decrease the general health of the community. The mission of the North City Farmers’ Market is to grow community health by offering affordable, fresh produce, free health screenings (by Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Centers), and healthy cooking demonstrations while encouraging community participation and weekly gatherings for residents and visitors alike.

The market will run every Saturday June 7th through October 25th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market is produced thanks to a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, the initiative of the folks at New Roots Urban Farm in collaboration with Old North St. Louis Restoration Group,
and numerous other individuals and community groups. We are looking forward to a great season and hope you will join us.