The closure of farmers markets around Madison last spring left some Hmong growers at a disadvantage. As farmers markets moved to on-line ordering, growers not proficient in technology or whose primary language isn’t English, were left behind. Groundswell helped by sponsoring an east-side market where Hmong growers sold produce directly to residents of Linden Cohousing and the local neighborhood.
Good news – the market will continue in 2021!
Located in the parking lot of Linden Cohousing on the 2000 block of Winnebago Street, the market is open on Thursdays, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, May 27, 2021 – September 30, 2021. There is plenty of parking in the back parking lot.
This project came about thanks to a partnership that formed after Groundswell purchased a small farm in Waunakee adjacent to our Westport Prairie preserve. A retiring farmer challenged me to provide long-term security for some of the Hmong market and subsistence growers that had been farming her land for 20 years. Many of you were generous with your support for the farm. In our second year of operation, we are now installing a well that will provide a reliable water source for the growers.
If you have questions about this market or our work to provide equitable access to land, please don’t hesitate to contact Jim Welsh.
Thank you to our 2021 market sponsor TASC!