Eastside residents and organizations developed the
Syracuse Eastside Neighborhood Farmer’s Market two years ago to help revitalize the Loguen Park neighborhood. A grant from the Community Foundation helped get their plan off the ground.
Organizers have come together to provide fresh produce to the area’s under served population, present opportunities for neighborhood involvement and encourage entrepreneurship. Their goal is to draw together people from a multitude of backgrounds in an inclusive, family-friendly and fun environment. While providing a source of fresh fruit and vegetables to the area, the market also creates opportunities for new dialogue and networking that help change perceptions about the neighborhood and build community spirit.
In its second year, the market doubled in size and continued to serve its mission to improve neighborhood food security, support local farmers and businesses, teach youth entrepreneurship skills and enrich community life in the neighborhood. In the summer of 2008, the program expanded to incorporate fresh produce delivery to the area’s elderly and disabled through Syracuse Meals on Wheels. Participants could make a weekly order at the market and volunteers deliver their orders directly to their door.