Where Community Members Take Care of Each Other

By Skyler Hawkins, Farm Director

I am no stranger to farmers markets! Over the years, I’ve gotten to be a part of facilitating and selling at close to a dozen farmers markets across the state from the Twin Cities to the North Shore. Having been a part of so many, I assumed that collaborating with partners like Indigenous Roots, Blue Hummingbird Woman, and Philadelphia Community Farm to start the East Side Farmers Market would be a familiar experience, but that hasn’t been the case. I’m happy to say that the market has taught me so much about what a farmers market can be and what it can do for community. Here are some of the unique things I’ve noticed that set the East Side Farmers Market apart from the rest and make it worth your time to visit:

• This market came about because community members asked for it. Thanks to Rooted Philanthropic’s inventorying of what neighbors wanted to see them invest in on the East Side of Saint Paul, this market began with clear community need and support.
• The market is not planned and rolled out by one organization. Behind the scenes, there are community organizers, artists, youth, youth workers, storytellers, elders, performers, farmers, builders, and chefs who lend their time, wisdom, and voice to the planning process. This allows us to build a market experience where vendors, visitors, performers, and neighbors feel considered – that this space is for them!
• At most markets, vendors have to pay a fee to be there. At the East Side Farmers Market, vendors who sell fresh produce or value-added goods actually get paid a stipend (on top of sales) for being there and making their important resources available to community members.
• The market is both a space for experienced growers and an incubator space for small growers to take the next step. We encourage growers who are ready to take the leap from growing for their household and friends to growing for community distribution to try it here. This is a supportive space where growers can try that for the first time.
• Many vendors opt into a “pay what you can” payment model. Many of our vendors are willing and able to prioritize community members getting what they need rather than making a certain amount of money. Although there may be prices on the table, these vendors are open to you paying less than, equal to, or more than the prices listed on their products. This way, there is always something for visitors to take home, no matter what their financial situation is. If you see vendors with a “COMMUNITY POWERED” button or sign, they have opted into this model. We also accept SNAP/EBT, and can offer a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10. 
• At each and every market you can count on hearing a DJ spinning, seeing a live band perform, learning from culture bearers, or taking in a dance performance. Every market has a full line-up, and there is never a dull moment. Passersby might first assume that they’ve stumbled into a music festival. I’ve grown used to seeing vendors and customers dancing and laughing together.

The East Side Farmers Market is a generous space where community members take care of each other. It is a place where people bring their knowledge, resources, art, and nourishment to make sure that their neighbors have what they need and then some. I hope that you will come and experience this amazing market for yourself!

East Side Farmers Market

Remaining 2026 Dates: Second and fourth Sundays of the month through September (August 23, September 13, September 27)
Time: 1-4 pm
Location: East Side Sculpture Park, 705 E 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN