It’s been quite some time since those on foot have had the opportunity to walk around the market at the Mercado District — driving through being the only option since the beginning of the pandemic.

Now, the Santa Cruz River Farmer’s Market is preparing to start a new chapter by bringing back its walk-thru market at 221 S. Avenida del Convento. Additionally, they’re shifting to afternoon hours, which begins on Thursday, April 7 from 4 – 7 p.m.

The last day for the drive-thru is 8 – 10 a.m. on Friday, April 1.

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona operates the market with the intention of supporting local growers and allowing people to have more access to fresh, locally grown produce.

A couple of years ago, the Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market switched to a drive-thru operation during the start of the COVID pandemic. A handful of empty lots were used to continue the market. The method was an excellent alternative but many folks are thrilled about getting back to the old ways, so to speak.

“Our return to a walk-in market means we can again offer an environment for people to spend some time, get to know their community, and get fresh and local produce,” said Karrington Hamilton, Farmer’s Market Network and Advocacy Coordinator. “We’re excited to re-open in person, with our vendors returning, and going back to our afternoon hours.”

Additionally, the market is accepting SNAP (food stamps) and offers anyone using that benefit double the amount of SNAP to purchase produce. Hours of operation will be Thursday afternoons from 4 – 7 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 7.

The Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market is located at 221 S. Avenida del Convento in the Mercado District off of Congress, just west of the freeway. For more information, visit communityfoodbank.org.

In other Community Food Bank news

Back in February of this year, the Community Food Bank here in Tucson announced that it was bringing back its walk-in services for the first time since the pandemic struck.

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is located at 3003 S. Country Club Rd. For more information, visit communityfoodbank.org.