Fulton Street Farmers Market on opening Saturday of its 2013 summer season.

Fulton Street Farmers Market is a farmers market that opened in 1922 in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

History

Newly completed indoor market hall and market office at Fulton Street Farmers Market.

During the 1800s, farmers would gather in the downtown streets to sell their wares, but by the turn of the century, it was illegal to sell along the streets, and farmers were told to go to a large market on an island in the river if they wanted to sell.[1] By 1914, local women who were a part of the Grand Rapids Federation of Women's Clubs lobbied for the city to set up a dedicated space for the farmers to come and sell. The new farmer's market opened on Leonard Street and became very popular.[1] Other markets opened in the city and were just as popular as the original.

The market on Fulton Street started in 1922, around the same time as many other markets in Michigan. It still operates in its original location and configuration.[1] For a long time, the market was organized under the Public Services Department of Grand Rapids. Eventually, the City Parks and Recreation Department took over leadership and organization and the market became a city park.

The market underwent a $3 million renovation[2] in 2012 and 2013. A roof was added in 2012, along with a refurbished outdoor market space, as well as permanent stalls with electricity and lighting.[3] In addition, a year-round vendor building was opened in May 2013. The 2,000-square-foot space includes vendor space, restrooms, the market office, and an information desk.

Payment Options

All eligible vendors at the market accept SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks,[4] and WIC (including Project Fresh). The market was one of the largest included in a pilot program for mobile digital payments.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c "History". FULTON STREET FARMERS MARKET. Retrieved 2022-08-23.
  2. ^ "Take a look at new Fulton Street Farmers Market building, opening May 4". MLive. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
  3. ^ "$3M renovation of Grand Rapids' Fulton Street Farmers Market on schedule for May 5 opening". Rapid Growth. Retrieved April 19, 2012.
  4. ^ "Fulton Street Farmers' Market to host celebration of Double Up Food Bucks program". MLive. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  5. ^ "Fulton Street Farmers Market goes wireless to accept food stamps, WIC benefits". MLive. Retrieved June 20, 2012.