Produce to the People

Contributed

Local urban farmers have united with nonprofit organization Groundwork Erie to expand the reach and hours of their pay-what-you-can model of farmers markets. Available at one of seven locations throughout Erie county and happening five days a week – affordable, locally-grown produce is more accessible than ever.

Tis the season for a cornucopia of freshly grown goodies in our corner of Pennsylvania. If folks miss the biweekly LEAF market or the weekly Little Italy Farmers Market there is another option available nearly every day of the week for fresh, local produce at the Pay What You Can Stands.

Launched in 2021 and growing to seven total locations, their model takes pressure off of small- to mid-sized farmers, who do not need to be present at the stands that directly support them. Founding farmers Stephanie Thauer, Stephanie Ciner (40 Under 40 Class of 2023), and Kristen Weeks are some of the passionate people behind the operation but are humble and quick to give credit to the folks who make the stands possible.

The village meeting them with that same spirit includes farmers, volunteers, and partners such as BUILD (under the Hamot Health Foundation), Erie Farm to School program, Erie Downtown Partnership, Erie Food Policy Advisory Council, Master Gardeners, and Groundwork Erie's Green Team of youth.

"To me, we are creating a space for people to connect or reconnect with fresh, seasonal, local food, and their communities," said Thauer of the Conscious Food Project at Raintree Farms.

"The farm stands are more than a place to get produce. They serve as gathering spaces where people talk about food, how to use and prepare the produce, share stories and recipes, have conversations with other community members, and try different produce. It's a space of learning, sharing, and empowerment. A space of healing and transformation." At a recent stand on 15th and Parade streets, Ciner from Wildfield Urban Farm weighed out some of the bountiful offerings as they made their way into happy hands. Thousands of pounds have circulated in and out, but she shared that same sentiment that it is not just about the produce. She noted they prioritize supporting growers in close proximity (Erie and Crawford Counties) who are intentional about ecological growing practices, and they prioritize supporting areas with the most barriers (transportation and cost).

What a big beautiful bridge between those who desire fresh, seasonal local foods and those who grow them and what a gift to the community.

Running July through October, Mondays through Fridays at various locations and times // Visit builderie.org/hope/pwyc for a full schedule.