Photo by Andrea Poteet
Gloria McDermott, of Farm Boy Produce, arranges vegetables during Melvindale’s Farmer’s Market Wednesday.
By ANDREA POTEET
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – It’s more than just veggies that bring residents and visitors to Melvindale Farmer’s Market every week.
The market, in its first year, brings crowds to a lot next to the city’s swimming pool on Oakwood Boulevard Wednesdays from 2 to 7 p.m. for products ranging including fresh eggs potted flowers and herbs and snacks from local restaurants.
Melvindale Downtown Development Authority Special Events Coordinator Terri David said the market, which began June 13, started as a way to fill a gap in the city’s family-friendly events schedule.
“We just wanted to bring more people out, offer a few different things,” David said. “Outside of their Melvindale Days, they don’t have a lot of family events.”
The market also fills other needs, David said. By accepting Michigan Bridge cards, the market provides easily-accessible fresh vegetables to residents, three-quarters of which are on household food assistance programs.
“It’s a big bonus to the Melvindale residents,” David said. “We can get those people out so they can use their (Bridge) card on fresh produce.”
And there’s plenty of produce – as well as other finds – to be had. With an average of seven vendors per week selling honey, candles, jams and baked goods next to tables filled with fresh produce and local restaurants like Las Cazuelas offering chips, salsa and guacamole, there’s no shortage of variety for shoppers. David said she’s visiting other farmer’s markets to scout vendors for Melvindale’s market, which runs through September.