That's why we’re relaunching the “Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Market,” Friends of the Market is an annual membership program for individuals to support access to culturally appropriate and affordable food and goods at the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets!

 

• GARDEN $1,000+: Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets sticker, Two Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets 2024 T-shirts, A Super Surprise Gift!, Recognition in the YFM newsletter and social media, a Thank-you note from the Growing Hope team
• FRUIT $500 - $999: Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets sticker, Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets 2024 T-shirt, A Surprise Gift!, Recognition in the YFM newsletter, Thank-you note from the Growing Hope team
• FLOWER $100 - $499: Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets sticker, Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets 2024 T-shirt, a Thank-you note from the Growing Hope team
• ROOT $20 - $99: Friends of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets sticker, Thank-you note from the Growing Hope team

 

Become a Friend of the Market Today! Our collective vision is being ushered closer to reality because of the generosity of partners like you.

 

With this in mind, we approach our stewardship of the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets with great purpose. Every year, the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets facilitate the transaction of nearly half a million local dollars for upwards of 100 local businesses. Hundreds of businesses have debuted at the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets, and several have expanded their businesses to brick-and-mortar locations in our community. The Ypsilanti Farmers Markets is a key driver of our local food economy. Thanks to your support, this vibrant local food economy inspires and thrives.

 

A just local food system makes space for everyone. Food assistance and advocacy through the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets is crucial in building food sovereignty, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing hunger.

 

Growing Hope distinguishes itself in the realm of food justice and food access, addressing our food system’s most pressing challenges by advocating at a local and regional level and implementing innovative solutions. In 2006, Growing Hope ensured that the Ypsilanti Farmers Market was a pioneer as we became one of the first farmers markets in Michigan to accept food assistance as a form of payment, and we continue to advocate for food assistance expansion throughout the state. Supporting Growing Hope and the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets helps ensure finances are not a barrier to accessing life-sustaining, fresh food.

 

Access to fresh, locally grown food changes lives!

 

I recently connected with a community member who shared that they love the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets because “they ensure everyone can afford quality and nutritious food, build economic justice, and improve the health of the whole city!” This great work could not be done without the extraordinary dedication of friends like you. Whether you give once per year or every month, your generosity invests in our generational and communal health