On Saturday, August 9, the Southeast Area Farmers’ Market is hosting the local version of the national She Rides Her Own Way campaign, Bike to Market Day. The event also marks National Farmers’ Market week, proclaimed by First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Bike to Market Day is a local way for community members to participate in such an important week of festivities,” says Johannah Jelks, local Bike to Market organizer.
The event starts off with an 11:30 a.m. bike ride from Browning Claytor Health Center, 1246 Madison Ave. SE to the Market at GR Ford Academic Center, 851 Madison Ave. SE. From 12 to 2 p.m., the market will feature free bike tune ups courtesy of The Spoke Folks, kids’ crafts and bike decorating and smooth music mixes provided by DJ Derrick “Vito” Hollowell. Grand Rapids African American Health Institute will have staff on-site to register people for their Annual Rhythm Run/Ride 5K.
“She Rides Her Own Way is a campaign designed to build self-esteem and bring health awareness to women in West Michigan through biking. The campaign intends to reach a diverse population of women. Its overall goal is to educate women to the benefits of biking as health and well-being as well as a form of urban environmental education,” says Jelks. “Our Kitchen Table is a top organization encouraging healthy living, so it was a natural partnership for the She Rides Her Own Way campaign to host a bike ride and bike celebration.”
The Southeast Area Farmers’ Market is open Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m. at Garfield Park, Burton Street and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gerald R Ford Academic Center. Both market sites feature local, chemical free produce and warmly welcome SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks and WIC & Sr. ProjectFresh as well as cash and debit cards.
Let’s Move lists these five reasons to shop farmers’ markets:
- Many farmers markets now accept credit cards, SNAP benefits, and other nutrition benefits.
- Farmers markets feature what’s at the peak of season in your region, so you can often find your favorites, along with new items that will stretch your culinary imagination.
- On market day, farmers love to share their secrets. First among them are tips on how to prepare fresh offerings, so if you need to know what to do with kohlrabi or are looking for something to bump up your tomato salsa, just ask.
- Farmers; markets offer a spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables. They are full of great nutrients, including antioxidants and phytonutrients. The more color variety, the better!
- Farmers markets are kid-friendly. Let your kids pick out something new to try. Then, let them help prepare a meal or choose a snack based on what caught their eye. These cooking resources for kidscan help, too.
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