The Hopewell Farmers Market returns to Library St in Downtown Hopewell on Thursday, June 1st! Visitors and community members alike can mingle at this ‘open-air market’ after the work day from 5:00 until 7:00pm. Shop fresh produce, jams, salsas, plants and herbs, apothecary items, baked goods and more – grown, made or raised with care by local and regional farmers and artisans. Market-goers can also enjoy: a meal from a local food truck, live music, and activities for the whole family. The 2023 season will continue weekly on Thursday evenings through October 26th for a total of 22 family-friendly events in a pleasant and safe atmosphere. There is street parking available as well as a large public parking lot next to the Library (209 E Cawson St). The Hopewell Downtown Partnership (HDP) coordinates the Hopewell Farmers Market as part of its larger mission of building “a healthy, vibrant and more prosperous central downtown district for the Hopewell community.” The market acts as a social enterprise; creating more economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses while providing better access to healthy, local food, especially among disadvantaged groups. Downtown Hopewell is recognized by the USDA as a “food desert” which means a substantial number or share of residents has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store. The market is one mechanism for addressing this reality and is supported by the Cameron Foundation, HCA Healthcare and the John Randolph Foundation for this reason. HDP also offers one free tabling space every week to nonprofits and community organizations to promote their work. In addition to strengthening ties in the local economy, HDP and Market Manager, Tisha Sawyer, are committed to connecting the Hopewell community to local farmers and growers, so they can experience healthy nutritional foods and agricultural products and even learn how to prepare them. The Hopewell Farmers Market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments at the market and participates in the Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) incentive program which enables families to double the value of their SNAP. To participate, swipe your EBT card at the Hopewell Farmers Market Information Tent in exchange for VFM match tokens in the same amount. In other words, you can get 2-for-1 value when purchasing fruits and veggies at the Hopewell Farmers Market through your SNAP benefits. Contact the Market Manager, Tisha Sawyer, at hopewellfarmersmarket@gmail.com or (804) 446-1055 with questions, or if you are interested in applying to become a vendor, having your non-profit participate, providing musical entertainment, or become a volunteer or sponsor of the market. You can also visit https://hopewelldowntown.com/hopewell-farmers-market/ to learn more or submit an application. Follow the Hopewell Farmers Market on Facebook too!