April Greene
You’ve seen them out in Maria Hernandez Park, posting up under tents on Knickerbocker, and under the Rheingold Archway on Bushwick Ave. You may have picked up a week’s worth of produce from them after your morning jog. Maybe one of their friendly vendors gave you your first taste of chicha. Perhaps you lingered there to savor a cold brew and quiche one sunny afternoon.
However you may have come across the RiseBoro Farmers Markets, you know they provide fresh fruits and veggies, delicious treats, and comforting camaraderie to the whole of Bushwick. But if you thought these neighborhood mainstays were good before, just wait till you see them this year.
On Saturdays, visitors will be able to enjoy products from local vendors, meet-and-greets with regional farmers, and a chance to learn more about the community initiatives happening all around them. The kick-off market on Saturday, May 19th will also feature RiseBoro’s festive annual plant sale. On Sundays, the markets will offer free summer youth arts programming by Arts and Rhymes, community yoga by Tejal Yoga, and Zumba by Ariel Maduro.
While opening weekend is always a big celebration for the markets, this year’s will be especially exciting since it arrives with some great news. In 2018, for the first time, RiseBoro will be providing free Sunday programming for everyone in the Bushwick community until the last market day in mid-December. The organization hopes these new offerings will encourage residents to learn more about the many resources available through RiseBoro, which include adult education, supportive housing, and youth programming—just to name a few.
“We want visitors to see RB Farmers Markets as a gateway for all that RiseBoro has to offer,” says Ali Toxtli, Farmers Market Manager. “The markets are only one of several RiseBoro programs that promote community health and empowerment. They’re a great chance to connect with RiseBoro, as well as with other local organizations. We’re excited our partners will also be at RB Farmers Markets, as they want to support community residents however they can.”
Luciano Contreras, RiseBoro’s Assistant Farmers Market Manager, adds: “RiseBoro is happy for the start of our RB Farmers Markets, to reconnect with community members, support farmers, and our vendors. We planned a lot of great activities for everyone, so come on down, meet your neighbors, and support your community!”
See you there, Bushwick.
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If you’re a local food vendor, crafter, arts programmer, or anyone else interested in working with the RiseBoro Farmers Markets, reach out to Ali Toxtli at [email protected].
Find the RiseBoro Farmers Markets in the neighborhood this year:
RB Bushwick Farmers Market
Saturday 9am – 3pm
May 19th to December 15th
Maria Hernandez Park
RB Rheingold Archway Market
Sunday 10am – 4pm
May 20th to December 16th
533 Bushwick Ave between Noll and Arion
Socioeconomic inclusion is a key mission of the markets, so just like last year, cash, credit, SNAP, and WIC will all be accepted.
For more information about RiseBoro Farmers Markets, email [email protected], or call (718) 416-4561.
For more information about RiseBoro’s work in Bushwick, see their website.