October 23, 2020
$15,000 goal to receive matching grant from the IHCDA
For Immediate Release
October 23, 2020
RICHMOND, IN. – Richmond residents will soon be able to enjoy a warmer and expanded Winter Farmers Market thanks to the recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign is sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity. The campaign is led by Richmond Farmers Market.
The Richmond Parks and Recreation Department, the parent organization of the Richmond Farmers Market, believes that activating this space for year round activity has unlimited potential. Denise Retz, Park Superintendent, remarked: “We are very excited to participate with our friends and partners at the IHCDA and Patronicity for another project. They have been such a blessing with what we have been able to accomplish for our community in the past 3 years and this project is no different. The new Winter Market location is more than just a space to hold a market. It is a destination to visit each Saturday and the ability to extend our season at this location for weddings, holiday parties, corporate events, proms, galas and more for years to come.”
If the campaign reaches its $15,000 goal by November 21, 2020, the Richmond Farmers Market will receive a matching grant of $15,000 from IHCDA's CreatINg Places program. The funds raised will be used to winterize the Starr Gennett Logo Building with heaters, plastic window coverings that reflect local history, and make other improvements to the operation of the building as a fully featured event space.
“Keeping our communities vibrant through the winter means adapting...” said Bridget Anderson, Director at Patronicity, “...this project adapts a historic space to provide food access during the most critical time of the year. By crowdfunding, this project will capture the community’s energy and enthusiasm to ensure food security and a sense of belonging during the winter months.”
During the winter months, the Richmond Farmers Market continues to provide access to locally grown or made food such as winter produce (root vegetables, salad greens, storage crops such as onions and potatoes, etc), meat, eggs, dairy products, microgreens, mushrooms, etc; baked goods; jams and jellies; honey; maple syrup; and much more. Additionally, homemade artisan goods such as soaps, candles, jewelry, fiber arts, pottery, etc. can be found complementing the food available for purchase. Through a partnership with Reid Health Community Benefit, SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), is doubled at the Market. This incentive helps customers afford higher quality, fresher foods for their families, and also helps supplement the many local food businesses found at the Market. More information regarding this program and how to participate can be found on the City of Richmond’s website. According to the Richmond Farmers Market, participation in the SNAP Double Dollars program has more than doubled in 2020, going from $12,923 redeemed in 2019 to $30,319.00 so far in 2020.
Finding an appropriate location for the Winter Farmers Market during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been an easy process. “We have explored every opportunity and option available to ensure that all of our farmers, artisans, and other vendors had the best possible location available to them….” stated Caleb Smith, Market Coordinator for the Richmond Farmers Market. “When doing our due diligence and research for a new, safe location for the Winter Market, we felt the most important qualifications should be food access in the heart of our city, and a location that could safely provide that access during this pandemic. Landing at the Starr Gennett Building is the best option for the Market and we are excited to show you our efforts on November 7th at the first Winter Market.”
Richmond Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays 10am-1pm
November - April
Starr Gennett Facility
101 South 1st Street
Richmond, IN 47374
If community members wish to contribute to the Richmond Winter Farmers Market and the winterization of the Starr Gennett Building, there are a number of ways to do so:
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The mission of the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department is to provide for the positive development and well-being of the Richmond community through the provision of parks, greenways, trails and recreational programming and facilities while working in cooperation with other service providers and partners in the community to maximize all available resources.
For questions, imagery, or for media requests, please reach out to the organizers via the contact details below:
Caleb Smith
Richmond Parks and Recreation
Richmond Farmers Market Coordinator
50 North 5th Street
Richmond, Indiana 47374
csmith@richmondindiana.gov
765-983-7425
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