Ypsilanti
Farmers Market
Where:
16 S Washington St (Saturdays 9-1, May-October)
Launched:
2006
Owner:
Growing Hope
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The Inspiration
The Ypsilanti Farmers Market launched in 2006 with a simple mission: To expand access to locally grown produce while reinvesting in the community. The Market has been delivering on this mission ever since, and today it serves as an inspiring showcase of local makers.
Julius Buzzard, Executive Director of Growing Hope — the organization that helms the Market — said that between 500 to 1,000 people attend the Market on any given Saturday, and that, “We want Saturday in Ypsilanti to be a destination.”
For vendors like Deante Bland, owner of I’ll Take It Black Coffee, the Market is a critical amplifier for his business as he looks to grow and expand.
“It’s key that we’re down here,” Bland said.
Looking Forward
Buzzard shared that Growing Hope’s long-term vision for the Market is to continue uplifting local makers. To that end, Growing Hope also offers an Incubator Kitchen where area food entrepreneurs can access a kitchen space to expand their business. Several notable Ypsi businesses, including No Label, grew out of the Incubator Kitchen.
Buzzard says he hopes the Market can continue to power a “circular economy” in which local dollars stay within the community.
“We want to keep as many dollars local as possible,” Buzzard said.
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