Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Keep an eye on your favorite community spots around town because the City of Tuscaloosa's first-ever Pop-Up Farmer's Market is bringing fresh produce right to your neighborhood.

The mobile market, which will land in five different areas of town every week from July to September, is funded by a grant that the City received from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. Through this initiative, locals can find their favorite local fruits and vegetables without missing Tuscaloosa's iconic River Market, whose business has dramatically decreased due to COVID-19.

“Our team was so excited to be awarded the USDA grant to expand the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market,” City Venues Operations Manager Alexis Clark said in a press release. “The River Market is a great central location that will continue to provide fresh fruits and vegetables on Saturdays, but having these additional Pop-Up Markets around the city Monday through Friday will make local produce even more accessible to our citizens.”

The Pop-Up Market will adhere to the following location schedule. All times are 3-6 p.m. each day:

  • MONDAYS: McDonald Hughes Community Center
    • 3101 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
  • TUESDAYS: Harmon Park
    • 2901 Greensboro Avenue
  • WEDNESDAYS: Annette N. Shelby Park
    • 1614 15th Street
  • THURSDAYS: McAbee Activity Center
    • 3901 Loop Road
  • FRIDAYS: The Gateway Innovation and Discovery Center
    • 2614 University Boulevard East

Three farms and 70 direct vendors will be involved in these mobile markets. Beyond this, all the payment relief programs that are currently available at the Tuscaloosa River Market (SNAP, WIC and SFMNP) can be applied at the Pop-Up Market as well.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox commented on the excitement his staff has for this new initiative, which will aim to help the residents of Tuscaloosa by alleviating food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits, all in one.

“I believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food,” Maddox said in a press release. “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to expand accessibility to the Farmer’s Market throughout our City and to continue to grow our support of local farmers.”

With the exception of weather disturbances, residents can expect the above schedule to remain intact every week from Monday, July 13 through the end of September. For more information, here are the best ways to reach the City:

If you just can't get enough of the River Market that you know and love, they are still open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon. Facial coverings are required at all times when shopping at the farmer's market. To participate in the Curb-Side Market option, click here for all the details on how to pre-order and where to pick up goods.


 

6 Ways Shopping Local Helps Tuscaloosa

 

 

More From Alt 101.7