Friends of the South East Area Farmers' Market

Working together to raise awareness and support for the South East Area Farmers Market

We welcome to you join us in efforts to support this small but important market in Grand Rapids South East side.

HELP US KEEP THE MARKET GOING!
The market is at a critical point in it's growth and needs community support now. Please help us continue serving the South East communities by becoming a Friend of the Market. Current financial support for the market comes from the Kent County Health Department, Hunger Walk, members of the Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council, and other donations. The Friends of the Market, organized in 2010, is working to raise additional funds while increasing awareness.

Why is Your Support of this Market Important? You are helping create a healthier southeast Grand Rapids by:

MAKING GOOD FOOD MORE ACCESSIBLE
The South East Area Farmers Market (SEAFM) started in 2003. Held then at the Sheldon Complex, the market brought fresh fruit and vegetables to neighbors in an underserved part of Grand Rapids. Since this time the market has served thousands of customers from SECA, SEENA, Baxter, Eastown, MANA and other nearby neighborhoods.

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES AND IDEAS
With collaboration and support from the Kent County Health Department since its inception, the market has hosted cooking demonstrations on healthy eating, offered health screening and provided recipes and resources for healthier lifestyles.

AFFORDABLE FOR BOTH COMMUNITY VENDORS AND CUSTOMERS
The SEAFM has also been a leader in helping make fresh produce affordable. In 2007 the Market was the first in Grand Rapids to offer food stamp purchases for its customers. In addition, the Health Department has collaborated with the market to offer special Market Coupons each year and has helped people find and use Project Fresh coupons.

HELPING THE ECONOMY BY KEEPING DOLLARS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The benefits of the market to the community go beyond the good food; it is also about entrepreneurship. The market is used by a number of area residents to sell locally grown produce to the community.

How Can You Help?

FIRST - Become a Friend of the South East Area Farmers Market by downloading our brochure and joining OR simply make a tax deductable donation to the SE Area Farmers Market by sending a check the Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council c/o 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please make payable to "GGRFSC"
SECOND - Help us with sales of our beautiful cards, proceeds from which go to support the market. Cards are $5 per set of 5 cards. See below for images of the cards. To order cards, contact Jill Myer
THIRD - Volunteer to help out with fundraising and awareness raising events and activities by contacting Jill Myer
FOURTH - Attend the market regularly and support our local farms and gardeners.

About Our Cards

Set of 5 cards of our regions fruits & veggies