Published August 5, 2024
2nd Street Market to host events in celebration of National Farmers Market Week, Hunger Action Month
Five Rivers MetroParks’ 2nd Street Market – located at 600 E. Second St. in Dayton – will host a variety of programs and events through early fall that celebrate locally grown food and growers, and their importance to the region’s food system. Additionally, the Market’s visitors are invited to help support food equity efforts in the region during Hunger Action Month this September.
National Farmers Market Week is the first full week of August and an opportunity to celebrate how farmers and farmers markets contribute to a healthy, thriving community and the local economy. In honor of National Farmers Market Week, the 2nd Street Market will host Sunset at the Market on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The special evening-hours event features tastings, workshops, culinary demonstrations, live music, in addition to both indoor and outdoor vendors:
- More than 50 indoor and outdoor vendors offering prepared foods, kitchen staples, flowers, produce, desserts, artisan wares and more.
- Live music from Harmonica Niel
- Melon tastings from Harry’s Ole’d Orchard and Garber Farms
- Beeswax Wrap Candle Making with Hive Products
- Culinary tastings with Choice Juice Boxx and Dayton Microgreens
- How to Make Mozzarella with Rosebud’s Real Food and St. Anne’s Cheese Co.
- Electric vehicle talks with Drive Electric Dayton
“August’s Sunset at the Market is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate National Farmers Market Week,” said 2nd Street Market Manager, Lynda Suda. “Farmers markets are special because you can actually connect with the people who ensure your food gets from their farms to your fork. The bounty of healthy food, expertise, care and economic impact of local growers is definitely something to celebrate.”
Before the Sunset at the Market at 5:00 p.m., speakers will discuss the importance of sourcing food locally, creating sustainable food systems, food equity and more. This engagement requires an RSVP; learn more by emailing marketinfo@metroparks.org.
View all the Market’s National Farmers Market Week activities by visiting metroparks.org/localfood.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the RTA will be running a shuttle between the 2nd Street Market and the Levitt Pavilion during Nourishing Montgomery County. This event is a celebration of the county’s food system featuring cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities, food samplings and a resource fair. Learn more about Nourishing Montgomery County at www.mcfoodequitycoalition.org.
Beginning in September, the Market will host food drives on Saturdays in honor of Hunger Action Month. A nationwide campaign by Feeding American, Hunger Action Month raises awareness of hunger across the nation and locally, where more than 66,000 Montgomery County residents are food insecure.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase non-perishable items from the Market’s vendors or bring shelf-stable items to contribute to local organizations that are on the frontlines of addressing hunger in the greater-Dayton community. Dates are:
- Saturday, Sept. 7: The Foodbank
- Saturday, Sept. 14: 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes Pantry
- Saturday, Sept. 21: Miami Valley Meals
“Five Rivers MetroParks supports the region’s environment and the community’s physical, mental and emotional health by offering 18 clean, safe parks, plus the 2nd Street Market,” said Suda. “One of the most important things we can do is to educate and advocate for people to adopt healthy habits for themselves and the planet, and be a resource for equitable access to fresh, healthy food. We really take pride in doing this as a community partner and as staple in downtown Dayton.”
The 2nd Street Market is a facility of Five Rivers MetroParks and supports its mission to protect the region’s natural heritage by providing the community access to fresh, local food, which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shoppers’ carbon footprint.
Many of the 2nd Street Market’s vendors accept SNAP/EBT benefits, in addition to Produce Perks.
Learn more about the 2nd Street Market at metroparks.org/localfood and sign up for its monthly email newsletter at metroparks.org/newsletters.
