Find Fresh Summer Produce at Downtown Farmers' Market
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES, IOWA (Aug. 2, 2017) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines continues this summer with an array of fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables. The Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance, which is a part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The season started May 6 and takes place every Saturday morning through Oct. 28, 2017. Hours are 7 a.m. to Noon, with a later start time during October when hours are 8 a.m. to Noon. The Market spans nine city blocks in the Historic Court District, from First Street to Fifth Avenue. It extends north and south on Second Avenue, Third Street and Fourth Street.
The Farmers Market Coalition’s National Farmers’ Market Week is Aug. 6 through 12. Downtown Farmers’ Market patrons are encouraged to kick off the week at The Market on Saturday, Aug. 5 and celebrate the week’s final day on Saturday, Aug. 12.
Farmers and producers from 50 counties in Iowa fill the Court District with a variety of current, in-season produce including apples, beans, beets, bitter melon, cabbage, cantaloupes, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, greens, kohlrabi, onions, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, summer squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watermelon, zucchini and sweet corn. Pick up fresh and tasty meats, cheeses and baked goods for summer barbeques. The Market supports nearly 300 farmers, growers and artisan food entrepreneurs. Additionally, The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including eating breakfast, enjoying the atmosphere, meeting with family and friends and live entertainment.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today, The Market supports nearly 300 vendors and welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each Saturday. An estimated 40,000 shoppers typically visit on Opening Day and key peak dates throughout the season. The Downtown Farmers’ Market has been recognized nationally by publications including The Daily Meal, Shape Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine and Country Living Magazine.
FEATURED PROGRAMMING
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines is The Market’s presenting sponsor. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines staff and service lines are on site every Saturday to provide fun and educational programs, health screenings, safety checks and seasonally-appropriate recipe suggestions from their dieticians. This Saturday, Aug. 5, medical professionals from UnityPoint Cardiovascular Services will share helpful hints on how to prevent heart disease. On Aug. 12, patrons can learn tips from UnityPoint Health – Des Moines’ behavioral experts on how to manage stress levels.
New in 2017, The Market has partnered with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) to offer extended Saturday service for The Market. Through October, the Downtown D-Line will start Saturday service to coincide with Market operating hours (beginning at 7 a.m., with a change to 8 a.m. during October). Attendees can park their vehicles anywhere along the route, hop on the bus and be dropped off near The Market between First Street and Fifth Avenue on the D-Line route. The D-Line runs primarily on Grand Avenue and Locust Street and uses the Walnut Street bridge to connect to the Historic East Village. Bus stops are located almost every block and marked specifically for the D-Line. D-Line buses will run approximately every 10 minutes on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during October).
Patrons are encouraged to participate in the Meals From The Market program sponsored by Great Western Bank. Dedicated volunteers will be available to accept food donations during Market hours. Acceptable food donations include fresh produce, baked goods and non-perishable food. Patrons can drop off donations at the bright yellow Meals From The Market tent located on the corner of Second Street and Court Avenue. Meals From The Market collects an average of 2,000 pounds of fresh food each Saturday to donate to Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) pantries, where food contributions are distributed to 13 food pantry sites.
Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
About the Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and produced by the Downtown Community Alliance. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. The Downtown Community Alliance, part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, provides a consistent and constant focus on developing and maintaining a vibrant Downtown core. For more information please visit desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownfarmersmarket, Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket and #DTFM.