For the 10th season, the Gray Street Farmers Market (GSFM) is bringing local, healthy food to downtown Louisville with opening day Thursday, May 17.
The market, operated by the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Science in partnership with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness (LMPHW), is launching an Elevate crowdfunding campaign to continue and expand its Dollar For Dollar program. The initiative provides assistance for customers who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) making fresh, local produce more affordable.
“In 2017, our Dollar for Dollar program doubled the spending power of 60 SNAP households, giving them a total of $2,200 to spend at the market. However, the need is much greater than the funds we have available,” said Melissa Schreck, the school’s director of external affairs.
LMPHW has contributed $1,000 to help operate the Dollar for Dollar program in 2018. The Elevate fund-raising goal is $3,950; the funds will be used to expand and sustain the program. The campaign will run for about 30 days, and the public can make donations at: https://elevate.louisville.edu/GSFM
Longstanding weekly vendors Jackson’s Produce, Granny’s Delights, Lowe Creek Farm, Green Farm and Full Heart Farm will return with a variety of fruits and vegetables, breads, jams, canned goods, granola and honey. Three Louisville-based guest vendors — Black Cat Pottery, Bonnet Bandits and PureKarma Handmade Soaps — will sell stoneware pottery and a mix of personal care products, lotions and soaps.
GSFM patrons also can grab lunch and other prepared foods while visiting the market. Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Co., Naked Hummus, Fresh Out of the Box and Grecian Mama will join returning vendors, Boss Hogs BBQ, Pollo, Red Top Gourmet Dogs, Steel City Pops, Sweet N Savory and the Celtic Pig.
The market is open 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 25 on the 400 block of E. Gray St., between S. Preston and S. Jackson streets. Throughout the season, the GSFM will offer exclusive giveaways on Facebook and Twitter. Use #ThursdaysonGray or #GreatDayonGray.