Nonprofit Coit Road Market supports community's nutrition needs

The Coit Road Farmer's Market has provided access to fresh produce for East Side and Heights residents since 1932.

Photo courtesy of ECFM. 

The Coit Road Farmers Market—with its mission of providing residents of Cleveland’s urban East Side and inner-ring suburbs with access to affordable, locally grown, farm-fresh products—has become increasingly proactive in addressing community needs to improve the health of area residents.

The nonprofit, community-based market’s efforts on this front include offering free cooking classes; Produce Perks to double EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) customer buying power; WIC and senior coupons; resident transportation; and collaboration with health care providers through Cuyahoga County’s Produce Prescriptions program.

The market also offers a staffed resource center for residents who are working to improve their health through eating more fresh foods.

WIC coupon distributions will take place on Saturdays, Aug. 13 and Sept. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Seasonal vegetarian cooking classes are planned for every Wednesday in August, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children, as well as adults, are invited to participate in these classes.

Other upcoming events are:

  • Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Annual Cliff Schultz Corn Roast: Meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans are invited to enjoy delicious Ohio sweet corn, BBQ, side dishes, and something to drink, for just $6.
  • Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Eat Local Food Show: This event will feature cooking demonstrations, hands-on cooking skills sessions, free knife sharpening, food-related art sessions for children and teens, and presentations on gardening techniques from urban farmers and gardeners.

August and September are the peak months for locally grown fruits and vegetables, and the market offers a great selection of produce and other food from local purveyors.

Located for 84 years at the intersection of Coit and Woodworth roads, near East 152nd Street and Noble Road, the market is open on Saturdays, all year, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and open on Wednesdays, June through October, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Operated by volunteers, the Coit Road Farmers Market is supported by customers, farmers, sponsors and fundraising events.

Joe Jerdonek

Joe Jerdonek is president of the board of ECFM (the East Cleveland Farmers Market Preservation Society), the nonprofit organization that oversees and funds market operations.

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Volume 9, Issue 8, Posted 6:01 PM, 07.28.2016