We know that you always hear Jessica talk about going to the Downtown Salt Lake Farmers market religiously. This week we were so elated to have market director, Alison Einerson, give us the in’s and out’s and some insight to the upcoming summer market, which will be starting up on June 9th in Pioneer park! Alison’s love for the market comes from a very pure past where she learned how to can like her grandmother and grow an appreciation for gardening when she was younger. Alison was teaching canning classes and then found herself as the director of the Downtown Farmers market/Urban Food Connections of Utah with the Downtown Alliance.

There is something enriching in learning about the history of something you patronize or are passionate about. The Downtown Salt Lake Farmers market started 27 years ago as a revitalization project with just a few vendors such as; Tagge’s Orchard, Jensen Farms, Borski Organic Farms, and Daniels Farms. *those originals are still part of the market today* Social media didn’t exist and Alison explained to us it was very grassroots, door to door, “please come and do this market with us.” They have worked over the years to develop relationships with vendors to build the farmers market to what it is today. Throughout the year the Downtown Farmers Market is out touring the local orchards, the farms, and the kitchens to make sure that the locally sourced food being provided is top notch! The Downtown Salt Lake Farmers market is not only kale and tomatoes (if in season). For shoppers there are local vendors from a 250 mile radius that include; bakeries with pastries, cheese makers, non-profits, coffee makers, kombucha and ginger beer, skin care products, artisans of all types, salsa makers, bread makers, food booths to eat immediately, and so much more! They keep a list of who will be where on their website which you can visit HERE and then clicking vendor map.

Alison explained when choosing vendors for the market they are always looking for people who are unique and innovative. We were able to chat about how the market handles the homeless population in the park, and their future endeavor of a year round indoor market which will be west of the Rio Grande building. *which will soon have a crowd-funding campaign* This year was the first year that the winter market, which just completed its season, ran every weekend at the Rio Grande. Not only is the Downtown Alliance and the SLC Downtown Farmers Market working to bring locally sourced food to your plate, they are also working on educating and encouraging people who want to grow micro-farms and urban farms, as well as teaching people how to eat seasonally.

This year Pioneer Park is under construction, so there will be some slight differences. This won’t change what you can expect on June 9th through October which will be the same amazing pastries, pizza dough, drinks, locally sourced goods such as Olio Skin and Beard, Salsa Del Diablo, The Chocolate Conspiracy, and artists like Kat Martin who will be returning for another partial season. If you are worried about parking on the street or cannot find any, there is free parking at the Gateway Outdoor Mall. *Visit the market booth for your validation.*

Make sure to head to the website www.slcfarmersmarket.org/ where you can see what is in season and at the market as well as upcoming events. Please follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up to date information!

**Disclaimer** Bring your own bags. (Select Health does have a booth where they hand out really cute re-usable bags, in case you forget) Make sure you head to the market early in the morning, your chances for things like Bubble and Brown Bakery will be more likely to not be sold out! Plus, it’s a lot cooler and less crowded first thing.

This summer we will be doing some Facebook live video tours to keep you are up to date with what is happening around the market!

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