A Neighborhoo d Staple
South Side Farmers Market seeks to unite community
Imagine a place where you can buy fresh, locally-grown
produce and organic products year-round right
here in Lackawanna County.
That vision is a reality in Scranton’s
South Side.
For nearly 10 years, United
Neighborhood Centers (UNC)
of Northeastern Pennsylvania
has run the South Side Farmers
Market. The year-round
marketplace will move to its
outside location at the corner of
Cedar Avenue and Alder Street on
Saturday, May 18, for the duration
of the spring and summer. The market
is housed at 509 Cedar Avenue during fall
and winter months.
“We created the South Side Farmers Market in 2010
as a part of our work to revitalize the South Scranton
neighborhood,” said Chrissy Manuel, UNC’s Revitalization
Manager. “The market seeks to address a lack of access
to fresh, affordable food by accepting SNAP benefi ts.
Recipients of SNAP can purchase their produce at the
market and get dollar-for-dollar matched, up to $20 in
additional vouchers to be used on produce.”
The Market offers locally-grown produce, as well as
eggs, meat, canned goods, and baked goods. It also
rotates in seasonal “pop-up” vendors to include candy
and chocolates, home and body products, wine, and art,
among other items.
“We are always looking to expand the goods and
services we provide to the community,” Manuel
said. “We want to ensure that the needs of
the neighborhood are met, while supporting
healthy living initiatives, the local agriculture
community, and our economy.”
According to Manuel, the market’s annual
revenue is estimated at $250,000. Vendors
range from 12 - 14 during the indoor market
months and can expand to up to 20 during the
outdoor season.
“Our overall goal at UNC is to work together with our
neighbors to provide services and create opportunities
that empower individuals to build strong, interdependent
communities,” Manuel said. “We want to be a leader in
building a strong community right here in Scranton.”
The South Side Farmers Market is funded by Peoples
Security Bank, PNC Bank, and PPL Electric Utilities,
through a Neighborhood Partnership Program Grant, and
by Wells Fargo Regional Foundation.
SOUTH SIDE FARMERS MARKET will move
outdoors to the corner of Cedar and Alder
in Scranton for its 10th season on May
18th, 2019. Stop by the South Side Farmers
Market every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
www.scrantonchamber.com • 5