Never doubt what a small group of dedicated, passionate volunteers can do. That’s the story of Philadelphia, of East Falls, and – of course – the East Falls Farmers Market.
In 2017, the Market was floundering – with only one vendor and the organizer, Farm to City, seeking to put their resources elsewhere. So a group of East Falls neighbors leaped into action.
When Julie Margulies, currently the Market Co-Manager, and Penni Brooks, currently in charge of social media, heard about these discussions amongst neighbors and the East Falls Development Corporation, they raised their hands.
Fast forward only one short year, and Farm to City took a look at these fearless Fallsers and said, “We think you can continue to grow this important market without us.” By then Julie, Penni, and their team had recruited a series of regular vendors, added live music to the weekly event, and began to host fundraisers. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the Market became a safe, outdoor space to gather – and to shop locally and responsibly. Today, the Market has hundreds of shoppers each week and between 15 and 18 vendors weekly. (Though if you happen to know of cheese and mushroom vendors, go ahead and let the Market team know – they’re on the lookout for those products!)
And over the years, the market team has seen firsthand the role a regular farmers market can play in the growth and economic development of a community. Markets provide fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy; combat food insecurity; build the social fabric of a neighborhood by creating a space for neighbors to meet one another and exchange ideas, laughs, and more; and spark commerce by serving as an incubator for small, microfood businesses to flourish and create new job opportunities while activating business districts.
That said, the East Falls Farmers Market has its own special sauce. (Yes, we’re biased – and yes, pun intended.) Our community market is one of the only in the city run by on-the-ground volunteers – meaning that Julie and the volunteer Board are attuned each and every day to their vendors, and to how their weekly Market can be responsive to neighborhood trends, needs, and desires.
Experience all the Market has to offer weekly, year-round each Saturday from 11am to 1 in the winter and 10 to 1 throughout the rest of the year at the Parking Lot Under the Twin Bridges (4100 Ridge Ave). Follow them online at eastfallsfarmersmarket.com, and on Instagram and Facebook at @EastFallsFarmersMarket. And reach out if you’d like to get involved and volunteer! They are always looking for extra sets of helping hands.
And as you head to the Market, we hope you’ll remember the magic of volunteerism and the power of teamwork coupled with Philly and East Falls grit and determination.
