Drake Neighborhood Farmers’ Market

Farmers' Market Newsletter on PDF: JUNE 2007
Farmers' Market Newsletter on PDF: JULY 2007
Farmers' Market Newsletter on PDF: AUGUST 2007
Farmers' Market Newsletter on PDF: SEPTEMBER 2007

The Drake Neighborhood Farmers' Market opens June 4, 2008.

The Market is located in the parking lot of First Christian Church, at 25th and University in Des Moines. The Market is open 4:00 - 7:00 pm, every Wednesday June September.

Easy, free parking is available right across the street from the Farmers’ Market.

EVERY WEEK AT THE MARKET:

Free kids’ stuff is at the church’s table — including coloring books, stickers, and crayons

Market coupons good for 50¢ off any purchase are available at the church’s table.

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks — Free screenings are offered at the Market every week.

Shaded Dining Tables — Sit down at a table, under the shade of a canopy. Enjoy your on-the-spot-cooked supper, nibble on your fruit, veggies, and other goodies. Visit with friends and neighbors, listen to the music

Arnie! Part of the Market’s fun is Arnie Williams, our music man. Arnie has probably the widest and best selection of music around, and he plays songs that we all love to hear.

Special Guest — The Market often invites a Special Guest. The guests may be offering information, a tour of a fire truck, free samples…always something interesting for you!

Recycle Glasses & Hearing Aids — Bring your eye glasses and hearing aids to the collection box in the for your health tent, for distribution around the world by the Lions Club.

Recycle Cell Phones & Ink Jet Printer Cartridges — The Market recycles cell phones and used ink jet printer cartridges (this size cartridge fits in your hand). 100% of the proceeds help fund the Market’s activities. There is a collection box at the Market.

Electronic Payments

EBT, Visa, Mastercard, & debit cards accepted

The Drake Neighborhood Farmers’ Market is participating in the “Iowa EBT Wireless Project”. 
The participating vendors will have special signs at their stalls.
Seven vendors at the Market are using the new wireless EBT* equipment:

• Anna’s Place
• Iowa Orchards
• 3 Bee Honey Farms
• Valley Junction Gardens

*EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. EBT cards have replaced paper food stamps. EBT uses technology similar to debit and credit card purchase transactions.
The equipment also accepts bank debit cards, and VISA and MasterCard credit cards. These cards may be used for purchases only (no “cash back”).

The EBT cards can be used to purchase food items, such as:

• meat and eggs
• vegetables and fruit
• baked goods
• honey, jam and jelly
• prepared cold food
• vegetable plants

WIC & Senior Checks Welcome
WIC and Seniors FMNP (Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program) checks are welcome at the Market. The checks may be used to purchase Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables. Mothers interested in participating in the WIC program can call 282-5800. Senior citizens interested should contact their neighborhood senior meal site.

The folks at First Christian Church welcome you to the Market. At their stall:

They have lots of stuff to give away — recipes, coloring books, Market coupons, and more.

When you need help carrying your purchases to your car, ask here. And, they’ll direct you to the restrooms (inside the church building). There’s a first-aid kit, too.

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 4 — Opening Day

Arnie — Everyone's favorite music man.

Jerry and the Moonlighters play live 5:00 - 6:30 pm.

for your health — Free Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar screening.

VENDORS

This is a partial list — new vendors frequently join the Market

Angie’s Market — Wonderful & nutritious produce grown here in Des Moines by the Scavo family, who has a long garden history. WIC & Senior checks.

Anna’s Place — Ron’s chickens are meaty & full of flavor. He has them packaged whole, or cut up. And he has fresh eggs from happy chickens, too! EBT

Burr Oak Farms — This family farm raises all kinds of produce & herbs, a variety of fruits, & they bring fine baked treats (many include their fruit!). WIC & Senior checks and EBT.

Cortez Gardens— Dixie & Walter bring beautiful garden vegetables from their farm. Dixie is also terrific baker, plus jam & jelly, & crafts. WIC & Senior checks.

Grandpa Daye’s Open Pit — Get satisfied with Grandpa's juicy home-style ribs, chicken, & all the extras for a great supper.

Guerra’s Pupusas — You’ll love this one and other south-of-the-border favorites!

Ho-Ho-Ho — Steve & Mitzie bring adorable birdhouses, planters, & more. They also have one of the best selections of basketware & crafts anywhere.

Iowa Orchards — The Etchen family is famous for their many kinds of Iowa-grown apples, delicious pies & cobblers, jams & jellies, & cider. WIC & Senior checks and EBT.

Lee’s Famous Egg Rolls — Treat yourself to fresh, hot egg rolls and other Asian delights.

Leonard Farms — Vikki brings luscious produce from her garden farm. She also bakes delish breads, pastries, cookies, & more! WIC & Senior checks.

M & D Sales — You’ll smell this mouth-watering, crunchy kettle corn before you see it! Get a bag to munch on, & take a big one home.

Mr. Bibbs — Classie’s famous sandwiches include grinders, brats, and polish sausages. Terrific for supper or a snack!

Shutt’s Garden Center — This family operation produces gorgeous vegetables & herbs. Brighten your home with their lovely hanging pots & bedding plants. WIC & Senior checks.

Stickel Family Chiropractic — Dr. Matt Bohnenkamp and his staff offer free spinal screenings.

3 Bee Honey Farms — Nature’s best sweetener is honey!Enjoy the goodness in jars, candles, lotion & lip balm, & healthy bee pollen from Donna’s hives. WIC & Senior checks and EBT.

When Pigs Fly BBQ — Enjoy a variety of fresh-off-the-grill food, featuring southern style bar-b-q.

for your health — Free blood pressure and blood sugar checks, plus special guests.

First Christian Church — These folks welcome you to the Market, and have Market coupons & stuff for kids!