An oasis of healthy food

Ward 8 of the District of Columbia is a food dessert.  Physically separated from The Capitol by the Anacostia river, it seems forgotten by the rest of the city.  Only two grocery stores supply wholesome food to the 70,000 people who live in the ~4,000 acres.  (The remaining food establishments are predominantly fast food restaurants and convenience stores).  And two groceries is something to celebrate; twelve years ago there were NO grocery stores in ward 8!


But there is hope for the future.  Yesterday, I attended the Ward 8 Farmer's Market!



The market is open twice a week: Tuesdays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm.  There are five vendors: three farmers selling fruits and vegetables, one woman selling plants, and one stand with meats and baked items.  All vendors accept EBT (food stamps) and "Get Fresh Checks" (for seniors and WIC participants).


Panoramic view of Ward 8 Farmer's Market at ~10am (Saturday hours: 9am-2pm).



James, from UDC, talking with a patron.

In addition, a nutrition demonstrator from the University of the District of Columbia(UDC) Cooperative Extension Services (CES) attends every martket.  As a land-grant university, UDC fulfill's its mission, in part, by providing food demonstrations (read: free food samples) and nutrition education at farmer's markets.  This is where I come in.

I was recently hired by UDC CES as a Contract Dietitian within the Center for Diet, Nutrition, and Health.  I attended my first Ward 8 Farmer's Market as a trainee on Saturday, September 25th.

I went, I observed and, I have to admit, I was kinda disappointed.

Aside from the fact that it is a very small market (5 total vendors), it was very poorly attended.  In the five hours we were open for business, only 20, maybe 30, people showed up.  That is only six people per hour!  In comparison, when I visited the Falls Church Farmer's Market over the summer, I could barely walk because there were so many people!  Obviously this is an opportunity for new and creative marketing.

The members of the Ward 8 Farmer's Market Cooperative Board try very hard to provide and improve the healthy food options for the residents of Ward 8, but somehow their message isn't reaching the community.  Do you have any ideas on how to encourage community participation at this bi-weekly market?  If so, I would love to hear them!

This is a wonderful little market, just look at all the beautiful, fresh vegetables.  Please, help me spread the word!

Farmer Oberon DeFreitas.  Born and raised in Ward 8, Oberon really gives back to his community.



Carl Purvenas-Smith (right) of Terrapin Station Herb Far, LLC



Terrapin Station Herb Farm sells 117 different varieties of jams and jellis, all of which are free of HFCS!

Vanilla extract made with heavenly Madagascar vanilla beans