Soaring gas prices and increasing interest in locally grown food may be fueling the record numbers of shoppers to the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers’ Market. In its third season and with even more vendors, events, and community partners, the market draws several hundred customers each week.

The market is open every Tuesday until October 28th from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, in the Key Bank Parking Lot, at the corner of Michigan Ave & Hamilton Ave in downtown Ypsilanti.

Market visitors find a wide variety of locally grown or produced foods. Mid-summer offerings include greens, potatoes, beans, corn, peaches and blueberries. Some vendors also sell locally made cheese, eggs, and meats. Throughout the season, the market has featured cooking demonstrations, health screenings, youth and artist days, crafts, and other fun and educational activities.

Making its debut at this year’s market is a new type of market “currency,” which takes the form of colored wooden tokens. Tokens are available for use as general market “bucks” as well as for EBT, Project Fresh and Prescription for Health purchases. Shoppers have found the tokens to be fun and community-friendly. Market vendors will also still accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, food stamps & Project Fresh coupons.

Also, new this year, Prescription for Health is available through a partnership between Washtenaw County Public Health and four local health clinics: Hope Clinic, Neighborhood Health Clinic, the Corner Health Center and UM Ypsilanti Health Center. Clinicians at the four clinics “prescribe” tokens worth $5.00 in fruits and vegetables to patients for redemption at the farmers’ market. Organizers hope that patients will establish a habit of shopping at the market for fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoy the health benefits of a better diet.

Run by local non-profit Growing Hope in partnership with Washtenaw County Public Health, MSU Extension, the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, and others, the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers’ Market is in its 3rd season.

For additional information, contact Rachel Chadderdon, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager at Growing Hope at (734) 786-8401 or at info@growinghope.net .