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.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
