Philadelphia LOVEs Farm-Fresh Produce

Large groups of people milling around Love Park is never an oddity—especially on a warm, sunny summer afternoon. Large groups of people hawking fresh, local produce and doing line dances at one in the afternoon, however, is another story.

This is exactly the eye-catching scene I was greeted with upon exiting class last Wednesday. Loud music, tents and lots of people caught my attention as I made my way to Suburban Station. Needless to say, I missed my train.

As part of Philadelphia’s Farm to Market initiative, which aims to bring local farm products to the city farmers’ markets, the Mayor’s Farmer’s Market opened for business on June 2 in Love Park. Opened every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this specific market is partnered with the City of Philadelphia. Stands selling fresh produce cultivated by the city’s Teens 4 Good program dot the usually-skater-dominated fountain park.

Adolescents in Philadelphia have the opportunity to build character and learn responsibility as they grow, harvest and sell their own produce in this program.

The market in Love Park joins many other farmers’ markets throughout the city, though the accessibility of the Mayor’s, coupled with the heavy foot traffic through the Center City district will most likely make it a popular destination for health-conscious citizens looking to buy fresh and local groceries.
 
By Manuel Agurto and Michelle Welk, Group 20- City Hall