The Metro Health Farm Market is back for its 11th year, opening Thursday, May 12.
The weekly market – open rain or shine – will again feature fresh produce, plants, flowers, jams, jellies, baked goods, homemade items and more from a variety of local vendors. It is free and open to the public. The market is open from 9 am to 2 pm every Thursday through Oct. 13 in Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.
Aside from the array of offerings each week, the market also will host some special summer events:
- June 16 is Kids Day. Children can explore a fire truck, take part in a scavenger hunt, work on crafts and participate in other activities. The first 200 kids to visit the market’s information booth will receive a free gift.
- Health and Wellness Day is July 28, offering family-friendly activities, free health screenings and a chef cook-off challenge.
- Sustainability Day is Aug. 25, with fun, educational activities for the entire family.
The market will again accept Project Fresh and Senior Project Fresh/Market Fresh Coupons. The coupons are part of a State of Michigan program that encourages eating healthy fruits and vegetables by offering to residents on food assistance coupons redeemable at farmers markets. The market will also offer Double Up Food Bucks to shoppers using their Michigan Bridge Card.
As a continuation of Health and Wellness Day on July 28, Metro Health will again offer a 5K family fun run. This year the event will expand to include a 10K event. This event is open to all ages and abilities, including walkers, runners and everyone in between. A discounted entry fee of $25 is available for those registering by June 30. Free kids races for ages 3-14 will be available. For more information and to register, go here.
Metro Health first hosted a farm market in 2006 when the hospital was still located in the city of Grand Rapids. The market began as a biweekly initiative to encourage employees to live healthier lifestyles. Since then, it has grown into a community-wide event that attracts hundreds of visitors each week.
