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Farmers Markets in the Neighborhood
August 27, 2010
By Rhiana Yazzie
With the approach of the harvest season, farmers markets are in full swing. In addition to large weekend markets, smaller weekday markets can be found across Twin Cities neighborhoods.
Phillips is no exception. A pair of farmers markets serves people in the neighborhood: Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Midtown Farmers Market, located at Lake Street and 22nd Avenue, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Unci Maka Native Market located at the Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 East Franklin Avenue (the market also operates at the same time at 926 Payne Avenue on the East Side of St. Paul, three blocks from the American Indian Family Center).
Much of the produce that can be found at these markets come from organic and family owned farms. One notable addition is a farm run in Hugo, a place called Dream of Wild Health. Part of this organic farm’s mission is to provide the urban Native community with access to indigenous foods and medicines that have been an essential part of Native culture for many generations.
Their unique twist on their organic Native food is that the seeds used to grow these traditional foods come from a rare heirloom collection given to them by a Potawatomi elder, Cora Baker.
Growing the vegetables and manning the stands at the farmers market are Garden Warriors. These are youth ages 13-18 who have been learning about saving seeds, healthy life choices “in a culturally appropriate context,” training, and job skills including retail experience.
The Unci Maka Native Market happening simultaneously Thursdays in two locations, is the work of four organizations, Dream of Wild Health, Healthy Nations, Na-way-ee Center School, and Native Harvest.
The Minneapolis American Indian Center and the Wolves Den Café owned by Mike Forcia located inside the Indian Center are also supporters of these markets.
