Everyone is invited to the brand new Meridian-Kessler Mid-Week Market, which is Midtown’s newest farmers’ market. The market brings a needed fresh food option to the neighborhood, while offering an additional opportunity for local producers to sell their products.
Meridian-Kessler Farmers’ Market
Located at the corner of 46th St. and College Ave, the MK Mid-Week Market will be happening every Wednesday afternoon, from 2:30 pm–5 pm, through the end of October. The market currently comprises seven vendors, offering fresh produce and meats, as well as prepared meals, and treats, such as pretzels, popcorn, and ice cream. All vendors at the market accept both cash and credit card. In its opening day, the market saw over 130 visitors over 2-and-a-half hours of operation.
The vendor lineup is as follows:
- Biltz Greenhouse: tree fruit, vegetables, melons, etc.
- Der Pretzel Wagen: ready-to-eat pretzels
- Grace & Truth Farms: organically-grown produce, eggs, & meat
- Groomsville Popcorn: cheddar, caramel, and traditional popcorn
- Old Major Market: meats & prepared foods
- Ritter’s Frozen Custard: frozen custard & other desserts
- Urban Awareness Gardens: sourdough bread and produce
The Mid-Week Market is filling an important local need for the neighborhood. There are currently no Midtown groceries with fresh produce south of 54th St. The venue is situated adjacent to an IndyGo Red Line stop and a short walk from the Monon Trail, offering easy accessibility to nearby residents. There is also on-site parking.
In addition, the Mid-Week Market is offering a new outlet for its vendors, many of which are coming up to Meridian-Kessler from the downtown Original Farmers’ Market at Indianapolis City Market, which has seen reduced sales. “With so many companies moving to a work-from-home model, the downtown market isn’t seeing the same amount of reliable foot traffic,” according to Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association executive director Chelsea Marburger. “There are a number of thriving, weekend markets dotted around the neighborhood but nothing actually in MK. I saw this as an opportunity to support producers while they were already in the city while providing access to both grocery goods and delicious prepared foods to MK residents at the same time.”
The MK Mid-Week Market is a pilot program in partnership with nearby Crossroads AME Church and Paradise Dental. “We’re excited to partner with the neighborhood association and provide space to bring healthy foods to our congregation and neighbors,” says Pastor Jerry Davis III of Crossroads AME Church.
The market is following health department recommendations relating to social distancing. All vendors, volunteers, and shoppers are required to wear masks, and a one-way circuit has been set up to reduce crowding.
As a local nonprofit serving the needs of the neighborhood, MKNA is seeking additional volunteers to help staff the market.
Details:
MK Mid-Week Market
Every Wednesday, Rain or Shine!
August 19 – October 28
2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
4564 N. College Avenue
(Southwest Corner of 46th & College)
We have 100’s of recipes for your farmers’ market produce. Find our farmers’ market recipes from real Indiana farmers.
This article was written by Dominic Byrd-McDevitt for Indy with Kids.
Find more Indianapolis area Farmers’ Markets near you in the Indy with Kids Farmers’ Market List, sponsored by Patricia Moura with the Century 21/Sheetz Stacy Barry Team and Jeff Love from Sierra Pacific Mortgage.
