Week 10: The Frenchtown Market

Few months ago I started working with the Frenchtown Heritage Market (FHM), and my primary intentions were to know more about the structure and the way the market works, but the more I learned about it and its people, the more I was able to integrate this location as part of the big picture.

During the early stages of the project I was able to see the purpose of the market: to create a space that combines culture, art, food, and social interaction. The market is a prime example of how the food gap can be narrowed, added to a few other perks such as a cultural venue and a center for community engagement. From this week’s readings, several points were mirrored from my observations of the market. The FHM’s location is in Frenchtown (hence the name), which directly addresses the issue of food security in the area, and it provides easy access to the Frenchtown neighborhood, whose population is heavily dependent on walking or public transportation. Second, the market targets low income customers by providing Fresh Access Bucks, an incentive funded by Florida Organic Growers to double the amount of money used by SNAP, WIC, and EBT recipients. Third, the market’s future plans include a public, USDA certified kitchen that stimulates small businesses to expand their sale locations by selling freshly cooked food to the market’s visitors. Fourth, the market seeks to invite local artists of all kinds to perform and attract a difference audience that would benefit from a marketplace’s day. Lastly, the market works with other organizations such as Tallahassee Food Network and Frenchtown Neighborhood Association to close the cultural gap that may be stigmatized in most farmers markets and wishes to create social cohesion by integrating a diverse staff and clientele.

My first experience at the market was during its new opening, and I must say that my whole day was so much better after spending few hours in there. Early on, the vendors were eagerly awaiting for customers to arrive, showcasing a plethora of products such as homemade beauty supplies, jams, pastries, trail mixes, and more. Another feature that struck me was the Bicycle House’s appearance, where they provided free repairs in addition to a tandem (two-person bicycle) ride, a favorite for the children who were visiting the market. Throughout the day, many speakers came and did things such as live cooking, singing, and invited the children to come and participate in dances as well. Each vendor had their own purpose to be at the market and it was uplifting to hear each one of their studies. Logistically, the market also conducts a study with FAMU to get a more accurate description of the market’s demographics, finding out the dominant age range, ethnicity, and other factors such as income and transportation.

Needless to say, the Frenchtown Market possesses heavy potential for the community. It promotes inclusion and diversity by closing the food gap, leading to happier people. Like me, I am sure that I am not the only one who experiences an air of bliss at the market, and I hope that the efforts that everybody puts into it create a space where communities can grow, remain healthy, and sustain themselves.