Coit Road Farmers Market Growing Season Ahead

The Coit (Road Farmers’ Market was built in 1932 and originally operated by a cooperative of farmers.  The non-profit East Cleveland Farmers’ Market Preservation Society was formed in 2001.  An all-volunteer staff operates the Market.

Market Hours and Location

Shop year-round on Saturdays 8 AM to 1PM

Wednesdays 10 AM to 1PM June thru October

The Market, located at the intersection of Coit and Woodworth Roads near East 152nd  and Noble Rd, is open Saturdays all year 8:00AM to 1:00PM and Wednesdays from 10:00AM to 1:00PM June through October.

Market Farmers and Vendors

Over 20 vendors sell at Coit Road Farmers’ Market carry an array of goods ranging from farm-fresh produce, free-range eggs and local meats to scratch-made and gluten-free baked goods, health care products, herbs and spices. Many of these vendors are also local residents, allowing them to help their neighbors while helping themselves. For many years, the Market has acted as a de facto small business incubator, allowing these most grassroots of entrepreneurs to set up shop for virtually no cost, providing them an audience and a network of supportive fellow vendors to partner with, and helping to promote their goods and services. The vendors form a collaborative group, learn from each other, and get to know their customers – all building community while simultaneously providing both value and income.

(Market interior ct75th1102.jpg Caption:  The Market building is heated during the winter months and expands outdoors during the growing season)

Market Mission

To provide access to affordable, locally grown farm fresh products to the residents of Greater Cleveland.

Market Goals

1. Encourage farm fresh food consumption to improve the health of community members
2. Continue collaboration with the community, health care providers, food pantries and social service organizations to connect to residents.

The Market has become more proactive in addressing community needs to improve the health of its residents. This need is expressed in the disparities of life expectancy and infant mortality as compared to many other communities.  Ongoing efforts include free cooking classes, offering Produce Perks to double EBT customer buying power, WIC and Senior coupons, funding for transportation and collaboration with health care providers through Produce Prescriptions.  The Market addresses economic disadvantage, accessibility and education to bring locally grown, healthy food into the heart of the community, makes it available at lower cost from valuable subsidies and educates consumers on how best to prepare, store and serve it.

 

Incentive Programs Reduce the Cost of Fruits and Vegetables at Farmers’ Markets

• Produce Perks matches SNAP benefits each market day ($10 spent = $20 food)
• Produce Prescriptions offers $40 in coupons/month based on income and health needs
• WIC coupons offer $20/season
• Senior coupons offer $50/season

2016 Planned Events

 

The market uses fund raising event to sustain the market and deliver great food, community and enjoyment.  The Annual French Toast is held in late March when the Ohio maple syrup is running.  The Taste of Autumn Benefit bring chefs, music and fun at the end of the growing season.  Other events include:

Growing Season Opening BBQ:  Saturday, July 2 from 11AM to 1PM. You’ll get a main course including smoked pulled pork, BBQ chicken, or smoked catfish and a bunch of sides for both meat eaters and veggies/vegans with something to drink…all for $6.

Annual Cliff Schultz Corn Roast:  Saturday, August 6 from 10AM to 1PM. Enjoy delicious Ohio sweet corn, BBQ and side dishes.

 

Cooking Classes

The market produced many Winter classes in 2016 including Pasta Making!

The Humble Potato Pancake! Pie Crust! Pierogies! The Powerful (and Safe) Pressure Cooker! The Basics of Sausage Making! Chinese Cooking 101!

Demo Photo pasta.jpg Caption:  Children are also welcome to participate in cooking classes.)

Seasonal Vegetarian Cooking Classes are planned for all Wednesdays in August at the Market from 11AM to 1PM.  The Market will provide transportation from apartment buildings, libraries and health care facilities using Neighborhood Connections and Sisters of Charity Foundation grants.

Cooking and exercise classes at Stephanie Tubbs Jones Medical Center in East Cleveland during the monthly mobile produce distribution between 9AM and 10AM.  Upcoming dates include Saturdays June 25, July 23, August 27, Sept 24 and Oct 22.

Eat Local Food Shows by Kevin “Spicehound” Scheuring

Kevin “Spicehound” Scheuring, a Ballot Box winner from community voting will design three Eat Local Food Shows.    Shows will include cooking demonstrations, hands on cooking skills sessions, free knife sharpening, food related art sessions for children and teens, presentations on gardening techniques from urban farmers and gardeners.  Music and games will promote a festive atmosphere. The hands-on cooking skill sessions will cover produce selection/preparation, knife techniques, healthy seasoning, cooking techniques and food preservation.  Residents will be able to practice their skills for the food being served at the show.

(Kevin photo image_1105(1).jpg  Caption: Kevin leads one of many cooking classes at the Market, on Fox 8’s New Day Cleveland and around town)

Friday, August 26 at Collinwood Rec Center from 4:00 to 7:00P

Sunday, Sept 11 at Wildwood Park from 2:00 to 5:00P.

Saturday, September 17 at The Coit Road Farmers' Market from 10:00A to 1:00P.

EC Grows Community Garden

The EC Grows Community Garden which uses one acre of a former overflow parking area at the Market.  EC Grows was formed in 2007, and 30 community gardeners grow at the garden.  The gardeners transformed the lot into a beautiful community space with flowers and vegetables. It’s a place not only to grow food, but also to meet neighbors and be part of a wider network of community gardeners from across Greater Cleveland.

(garden photo ECGrowBldg.jpg Caption:  Gardeners can either obtain individual plots or join a community plot.)

(garden photo ECGrow.jpg  Caption:  EC Grows creates a community atmosphere welcoming member for all cities surrounding the Market)

Coit Urban Farm Area

The Market offers urban farmers free growing space for selling at the Market.  Three urban farmers are growing fresh fruits and vegetables in 2016.

(farm photo BlaneSum.jpg  Caption: One of three urban farmers that sell fresh produce at the Coit Road Farmers’ Market)

To keep current with events and what’s available at the Market check our website www.coitmarket.org.  You can elect to join are weekly email list creatively written by Kevin.