West End Free Market

The West End Free Market provides the West End, Lyon Park, and Lakewood communities with organic, local, high-quality produce and dry goods twice a month. Currently, there are over 350 members. This market is made possible through the strength of partnerships: West End Community Foundation, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield, Duke Campus Farm, Farmer Foodshare, Root Causes, Happy Dirt, Ninth Steet Bakery, and Seal the Seasons. The West End Free Market values dignity, access, responsiveness, sustainability, collective care, and a sense of abundance for all. Here are some of the ways these values show up at market:

CHOICE

The market strives to maintain dignity and autonomy for all members, so every member is a decision-maker. Items offered are determined through on-going surveys and conversations, ensuring families have access to culturally relevant foods and foods that are in alignment with their dietary needs and interests.

Members are also able to self-determine what and how much they need. There are no imposed limits.

LOW WASTE APPROACHES

This is a virtually plastic-free and waste free market.

Because of the ways members are able to self-determine what and how much they take, and because of the ways we source and package goods, there is little waste.

All dry goods are packaged in the same glass jars that have been donated, washed, and sanitized for use at Part & Parcel. Market members are invited to return jars so they can be used again.

Any produce left after market is either put directly into the Community Fridge or is used to create prepared meals that are then put into the community fridge through PREP Team.

Pictured below are meals created by the PREP Team from produce leftover after a market day. Leftover are usually converted into about 30-40 meals. Prepared meals are the #1 requested item for the community fridges.

EMPLOYMENT

Our market employs majority Autistic, Neurodivergent, Chronically-ill, and Disabled staff, with specific positions held for folks who live in the community in which the market serves and for folks who are market members.

ACCESSIBILITY

Member enrollment is free and requires no proof of need.

The market takes place at the Community Family Life and Recreation Center at Lyon Park which is fully ADA compliant.

Disabled and Elder market members can receive delivery. On-site shoppers can receive assistance in getting groceries to their transportation.

The market is open to elders (65+) only for the first 30 minutes.

Additionally, market materials are available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Arabic.