The Westside Farmers Market is one of the markets participating in the NY FreshConnect SNAP Benefits program. For every $5 of Market Tokens you purchase with an EBT/SNAP benefit card, you will receive an additional $2 of NY Fresh Connect Checks. Just like the Tokens, these bonus checks can be used to purchase any food stamp eligible food.
Visit http://www.farmersmarketsroc.com/ for more information.
We’re so excited to announce that Jenna Weintraub from Body Love Yoga will be joining us for a pay-what-you-can yoga class this market season! Starting June 21, Jenna will have classes at the market from 6:00-7:15 pm. Bring a mat or a large towel and wear comfortable clothes for some stretching and relaxation. Beginners are welcome! As an added bonus, we will be giving $3 coupons to spend at the market to all who participate.
Jenna is a registered yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance and a certified Curvy Yoga teacher who wants to make yoga accessible for all, no matter income, body size, or ability. For more information, click here.
Walk With A Doc: Each week the market hosts a two mile walk with a health professional throughout the community. This is to provide a casual environment open for community members to talk about any part of their wellness, from healthy eating to present symptoms. The walk starts at the market at 5:45PM and will end at the market. All participants will recieve a $3 coupon to use at the Westside Farmers Market.
Kid’s Activities: Come to the tent next to the info booth and see what the craft of the week is. Feel free to let your children make a creation while you shop. Volunteers will keep an eye on them so that you don’t have to worry about them wandering off and your child will be able to bring their creation home!
R Community Bikes: Back again this year! They will be at the market every week offering free tune ups and repairs on your favorite bike. They also collect used bikes for donation!
Arnett Branch Library: Need a good recipe? No problem! The Arnett Library will be with us each week with a crate full of great cookbooks. All you need is your library card!
Each week, the market has a Walk with a Doc. You are invited to take a lovely mile plus walk with a local medical professional. Each participant may receive free medical advice and will receive a $3 market coupon. Patti Singer, Health Reporter for the Democrat & Chronicle, will be joining us. Come enjoy a little bit of exercise and conversation with friends and neighbors. To participate, meet at the market info tent by 5:30PM!
Welcome to our first Vendor Spotlight! This week we’re celebrating R Community Bikes and their wonderful contributions to the market.
Since its humble beginnings, R Community Bikes has been making a big impact in the Rochester Community! The organization repairs bikes for free, as well as gives them away to those in need, as long as they have been referred. For many, bikes are a means of transportation if they cannot afford bus fare or driving.
The group started in 2001, but didn’t become an official 501 C3 until 2008. 50 to 75 volunteers put in over 15,000 hours a year, and this past year they were able to give away over 2,700 bikes to community members in Rochester! All of the bikes that the organization gives away are donated. R Community Bikes holds bike drives to collect bikes, and they accept donations to their shop.
The shop is open 6 days per week, from 9am-1pm. Giveaways take place on Wednesday and Saturday, using a lottery system. As long as the person has received a letter of referral, they are eligible for a bike. This letter could come from a church, school, doctor, social worker, or any organization that can confirm they are in need. A community member is allowed 1 bike per year.
R Community Bikes is at the Westside market every Tuesday, St. Joseph’s house on Wednesday, and Ashbury Methodist Church on East Ave on Thursdays. People are helped in the order that they come in all locations. When speaking with Dan, one of the founders of R Community Bikes, he mentioned that they love being at the market every week, because it is a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere!
