Farmer’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are another way to access food. Fresh fruits and vegetables available at the Community Food Bank’s farmers’ markets are all Arizona grown and naturally grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Buying directly from the farmer keeps family farms on the land by giving them a better percentage your food dollar. When you buy at a supermarket, the percentage the farmer receives is 20 versus the 50%-100% when you buy from a local food coop, farmers markets, roadside stands, or CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture.) Buying direct you can be sure the food your family eats is safe, fresh and healthy and you can get to know the people who grow your food!
The Food Bank Farmers’ Market is located at the Community Food Bank and operates Tuesdays year-round from 8 am-12noon. It is run like a small farm stand. We sell fresh vegetables and eggs right from the nearby market and demonstration garden. We also get locally grown apples from Willcox when in season and a variety of vegetables from Forever Yong Farm in Amado. The Market accepts cash, FMNP coupons, food stamps, and credit and debit cards.
In the summer of 2005, the Community Food Bank, with many partners, opened the Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market to provide Tucsonan’s living on the Westside greater access to locally and naturally grown produce, to support local agriculture, and to celebrate the unique culinary heritage of the Sonoran Desert. The Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market is open Thursdays from February to the week before Thanksgiving depending on the growing season. It is located at the Santa Cruz River Park along the Santa Cruz River which was where Tucson’s first inhabitants farmed 2,000 years ago.
