Farmers’ Markets
The Local Foods, Healthy Communities video informs people by promoting the health and community benefits of eating locally grown foods. The locally produced video will not only benefit local growers of fruits and vegetables by increasing consumer purchases, but our community will benefit from increased economic activity and healthier people. The Local Foods, Healthy Communities video and the diverse programs, of the Community Food Bank Community Food Resource Center educate, advocate and provide support for increased growing and eating of Arizona grown foods.
Farmers’ markets are another way to access food. Fresh fruits and vegetables available at the Community Food Bank’s farmers’ markets are all naturally grown in Arizona 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 farmer receives 20%, versus 50%-100% when you buy from a local food co-op, farmers’ market, roadside stand, or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture.) By 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 manages three Farmers’ Markets – times and locations listed below. All markets are open to the public.
To become a vendor for any of these markets contact the Farmers’ Market Manager at 622-0525 ext 242.
To learn more about our innovative Community Foods Consignment program, where small farmers and home gardeners sell their produce at the markets on consignment, contact the Consignment Coordinator at 622-0525 ext 262.
Community Food Bank Farmers’ Market
Where: Community Food Bank
3003 S. Country Club Road, Tucson
Between Ajo and 36th Street on Country Club
Link to Directions and Map
When: Tuesdays year-round from 8 am-12 noon.
What: This market is run like a small farm stand. We sell fresh vegetables and eggs right from the nearby demonstration garden. When seasonally available, we get locally grown fruit, such as apples and peaches, and other vegetables from English Family Orchards in Willcox, Forever Yong Farm in Amado, Estancia Orchard in Dragoon, Crooked Sky Farms in Glendale, and from the Community Foods Consignment. The Market accepts cash, FMNP coupons, food stamps, and credit and debit cards.
Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market
In the summer of 2005, the Community Food Bank, with many partners, opened the Santa Cruz market to provide Tucsonans 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.
Where: Northeast Corner at Speedway Blvd and Riverview
Between the Arizona School for Deaf and Blind and El Rio Neighborhood Center
When: Thursdays, year-round
October-April, 3-6 p.m.
May-September, 4-7 p.m.
Closed December
What: This market has 8 to 12 vendors (depending on the season) set up with independent booths. Farmers sell organic vegetables and fruits, eggs, honey, coffee and plants. The Market accepts cash, FMNP coupons, food stamps, and credit and debit cards.
The Marana Farm Stand opened January 2008 to sell produce from the Community Food Bank’s farm to Marana and Northwest communities and to provide a venue for small Marana area growers. We hope someday this farm stand will grow into a full fledged Farmers’ Market.
Where: Marana Farm Ramada
Heritage River Park
South of the intersection of Tangerine Farms Road and Heritage Park Drive
When: Mondays, October- April 3 pm- 6 pm, May- September 4 pm- 7 pm, closed December
What: This market has two vendors – one is the Marana Farm booth which is run like a small farm stand. We sell fresh vegetables right from the Farm onsite and when seasonally available we get locally grown fruit, vegetables and honey from English Family Orchards in Willcox, Forever Yong Farm in Amado, Estancia Orchard in Dragoon, Crooked Sky Farms in Glendale, and from the Community Foods Consignment. The other vendor is Michael and Rebecca Park, who sell organic produce from their quarter acre farm in Marana. The Farm Stand accepts cash, FMNP coupons, food stamps, and credit and debit cards.
