The Austin Farmers Market and two other Chicago markets will benefit from a nearly $89,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The award is being made through the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program; among its goals is supporting projects that recruit and train farmers, expand economic opportunities and increase access to healthy food.
All three markets are located in low income/low access census tract areas, as defined by the USDA.
The $88,908 award will be used to increase availability and consumption of healthy, regionally sourced agricultural products and cultivate attendance at each market through marketing and programming, including two Chicago Farmers Forums, the first of which will be held in November.
This is the last week for the 2014 Austin Farmers Market, held at the Austin Town Hall at 5610 W. Lake St. Stop by to buy fresh produce from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.
The final Columbus Park market (Harrison and Central) of the season will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.
And the last 2014 La Follette Park market (1333 N. Laramie) will happen from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.