Mark-et your calendars
Popular farmers and artisan market blooms again on San Antonio's Southside
The Farmers & Artisans Market is once again blooming at Mission Marquee Plaza. For the fourth year in a row, the popular monthly market is returning to San Antonio with a bevy of community events. Free and open to all, the market is held on the third Saturday of every month from now through November 19.
Among the highlights of the monthly affair is the Farmacy on Wheels, an initiative from the San Antonio Food Bank offering fresh produce from the bank's garden behind Mission San Juan Capistrano and nutritious to-go meals prepared by the SABF culinary team. The "farmacy" also serves a mobile miniature grocery store and offers tips on how to create healthy meals using the ingredients from the truck.
As a bonus, all the proceeds go directly back to SABF, which feeds hungry citizens across the city. The truck also accepts WIC and senior vouchers from the Texas Department of Agriculture, ensuring everyone access to fresh food.
"Our partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank not only brings nutritional education and affordable fruits and vegetables, but provides locals and visitors an opportunity to taste San Antonio’s gastronomic culture," said World Heritage director Colleen Swain in a release. "The market is a sustainable option that we hope to continue for years to come.”
Farmers & Artisans is designed to not only be a market, but a community-wide meditation on health and a healthy lifestyle. Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA, which partners with SABF and the City of San Antonio on the market, provides a free Zumba exercise class during the market. Each class is all levels, and beginners are highly encouraged to attend.
As for the artisans, more than 20 local makers and artists pop up at the market each month, offering a variety of wares. Attendees can peruse the stalls, take part in expert-led workshops, take part in author meet-and-greets and book signings, and enjoy live music all season long. (And it's pet-friendly, so bring the whole family.)
The next Farmers & Artisans Market takes place on April 20 from 10 am to 2 pm. Find the full schedule here.