Market Mission

The Monroe Village Farmers’ Market was formed to foster community and connection both within the Monroe Village neighborhood, and between people who live and work in the city and the farmers from the surrounding countryside who feed us. All of our vendors grow or produce their products within 100 miles of Rochester.

We believe that:

  • Connections between neighbors foster strong community, and so we seek to provide a place where neighbors can get to know one another. To that end, in addition to our food vendors, each week we also invite local community groups, musicians and artists to come to the market.
  • Access to fresh, nutritious, affordable food, grown or produced in the region, is a foundation for health and human dignity. We are committed to providing affordable food for all our neighbors. To that end, our market participates in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
  • A direct connection between shoppers and local farmers helps support smaller, family-run farms, which form the foundation of rural communities. In this way, urban-rural connections form, leading to greater understanding about the need to preserve land for farming.
  • Local food is the best food; for those who eat it, for those who produce it, and for the environment. We are committed to providing only locally grown or produced food so you get the most delicious and nutritious.

History

The Monroe Village Farmers' Market began in 2008 as a collaboration between volunteers from Blessed Sacrament Church and area neighborhood associations. The market is managed by a team of volunteers and is, in fact, entirely run through generous gifts of time and energy from members of the community.

Our growth and vitality arise from a broad base of support given by neighbors, the Monroe Avenue YMCA, Blessed Sacrament Church, the Monroe Branch library, Monroe Avenue merchants, the South East Area Coalition, the Monroe Village Task Force and many others.

Our market relies on its vendors and customers to fund its operations each year. Vendors pay a stall-based fee each season in order to participate in the market and they are willing to do so because of our customers' dedication to our market. We also seek opportunities to work with local sponsor's or obtain grants.

Working together with the community, the market will flourish into the future... and continue to bring the best of the country to the heart of the city.