Growing Hope and the Ypsilanti Farmers Market has geared up for another summer of selling fresh goods to Ypsilanti residents.
Growing Hope, the organization that oversees the market, as well as other events and resources throughout Ypsilanti, first became an official non-profit organization in 2003, with the goal of developing the city, as well as offering opportunities to local vendors and entrepreneurs.
Annalee Miklosek, who serves as Growing Hope's Farmers Market assistant manager, explained how the market is more than just an avenue for local residents to purchase their produce.
"What you can expect when you walk into the Ypsilanti Farmers Market is a genuine reflection of this community and your neighborhoods. We see all sorts of people from across the city, and when people are coming regularly, they form bonds that push them to keep coming back," Miklosek said.
According to Miklosek, the relationships that customers form with the vendors and staff make up what is unique about the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, with the atmosphere encouraging attendees to be their authentic selves.
"We're really striving to create that family community," Miklosek said.
The Ypsilanti Farmers Market is available for in-person shoppers Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 3-7 p.m. The Saturday outdoor season will be weekly from May 16 to Oct. 31, while the Tuesday market will run weekly starting June 2 and ending Aug. 25.
Those stopping by can expect a variety of vendors each week, with approximately 100 unique farmers, artisans and creators that rotate weekly. The full list of vendors is available on the Ypsilanti Farmers Market website, including produce and meat sellers, baked goods, specialty producers and artisans. More information on each vendor can also be explored through their individual vendor profiles.
Attendees can also find weekly map breakdowns showcasing which vendors will be present each week Saturday and Tuesday, with numbered locations on an interactive map, also found through the Ypsilanti Farmers Market website.
Outside of food and product vendors, the Ypsilanti Farmers Market also features a handful of community partners, made up of non-profits that promote their services, including daycares, health clinics and activist groups. For the full list of community partners and supporters, the information and each group's mission can be explored on Growing Hope's website.
The market is also looking for volunteers. For those interested in servicing the community and assisting in the market's weekly operation, individuals can fill out an interest form for specific dates on Growing Hope's website, with the choice to sign up as an individual volunteer, or to sign up with others as a group. Volunteering will take place outdoors, and is wheelchair accessible. For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, anyone interested can contact the site supervisors at markets@growinghope.net.
The Ypsilanti Farmers Market is available for guests Tuesdays and Saturdays at 16 S. Washington St., located in Downtown Ypsilanti.
Growing Hope is also available for inquiries regarding any needs or questions people have surrounding food, and can be contacted by reaching out through their website, or at 734-786-8401 during regular business hours.
"No question isn't a good question," Miklosek said. "We're here for all the needs and all the questions, and we're super approachable."
