The Garden Kitchen, a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension program, provides whole health seed-to-table education in multiple fields like gardening, cooking, nutrition, and physical activity. Now, there’s something new rollin’ around town and it’s called PLAZA Mobile Market.
On Wednesday, January 10, the farmers market on wheels is hosting its big kick-off event at the Valencia Library (202 W. Valencia Rd.) from 10 a.m. – noon. Then, you can expect the PLAZA Mobile Market to be there every Wednesday until February 28.
“We will be buying the produce primarily from the International Rescue Committee New Roots farmers and selling it at discount prices in neighborhoods where there’s limited access to fresh, local produce,” said Meredith Glaubach, Community Outreach for The Garden Kitchen. “Accessibility is really important to us, so we’ll be accepting SNAP-EBT as well as FMNP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) coupons.”
The PLAZA Mobile Market — the word “PLAZA” stands for Promoting Local AZ Agriculture — came to fruition after many conversations with participants about the lack of fresh, local, and affordable produce in certain areas.
The Garden Kitchen then ran a series of focus groups to understand more specifically what the needs of different populations were and ran two pilot programs at Tucson House. After diving into the data from our pilot programs, it was crystal clear — folks wanted a mobile market with a variety of affordable produce options.
Before they knew it, the program was up and running on four wheels inside of a slick refrigerated van.
“We’re starting with the one location (Valencia Library), but over the year, we’re hoping to add more weekly sites,” said Glaubach. “In the next month, we’ll be posting about it on our social media and our website. That’s where information about changes in schedule will be posted going forward.”
The PLAZA Mobile Market will be set up at the Valencia Library, 202 W. Valencia Rd., every Wednesday from January 10 – February 28. Stay tuned for future locations. Meanwhile, keep up with the latest by following The Garden Kitchen on Instagram and by visiting thegardenkitchen.org.
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