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 400 market

members, and we support 80-100 households per market day.

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 Street 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

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.

After market, any remaining produce is transported to other food distribution streams through partnerships, ensuring no food waste.

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. We strive to dismantle traditional hierarchies of food access and replace them with a framework of shared abundance.

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, Chronically-ill, and Elder market members can receive delivery or curbside pick up. Those receiving delivery or curbside complete preference cards so their boxes are packed according to their needs and likes.
All 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.
Low Sensory Shopping can be arranged with market staff.
Market materials are available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Arabic.