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The Preserve at Woodland
The Preserve at Woodland

Guide to Fulton Street Farmers Market and Other Grand Rapids Markets

Are you looking for some fresh, healthy food, and a great open atmosphere in Grand Rapids? Then, you'll definitely want to stop by and check out the Fulton Street Farmers Market! Once you visit, it'll likely become one of your favorite spots in Grand Rapids and you'll keep going back again and again.

What is Fulton Street Farmers Market?

As a grassroots organization, the market itself has been around for over 100 years. It opened to the public in 1922, providing nearby residents with the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and veggies, and giving local farmers the chance to share their bountiful harvests with their neighbors. 
Over the years, the vendors have changed quite a bit. Now, it's not just for local farmers; they also have dozens of different vendors who provide a diverse array of products aimed at a healthier lifestyle. Along with tons of fresh produce, you'll also find dairy products, all kinds of delicious snacks and desserts, hot and prepared foods, and even some amazing handmade arts and crafts. Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the U.S. you can see this on full display at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, with so many different types of produce available and grown locally. 
a blue bridge over a body of water with a building

Where is Fulton Street Farmers Market?

The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 Fulton Street, easily accessible right from The Rapid bus system, which conveniently has a stop right on Route 14.  Feel like riding your bike to the market? Well, you're in luck because they offer their patrons several bike racks located throughout the property. And if you decide to drive, they also have plenty of parking spaces available.

When is the Fulton Street Farmers Market Open?

They are open year-round, but they have two seasons, Main Season and Second Season. The Main Season is the summer months (May/October), offering open days three times a week. They are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am through 2 pm. Second Season is their winter season, running from November through April. During this Season, they offer a weekly market every Saturday, from 10am until 1pm. 

How to Stretch Your Dollars at Fulton Market

They offer four different food assistance programs for those on a tight budget to make healthy food accessible to every community member and to help your dollar stretch a little further.

  • EBT/Bridge card - If you receive EBT, you can bring your card to the Welcome Desk at the market, where they can convert your available funds into SNAP tokens. These tokens are spendable with vendors throughout the market.
  • Double Up Food Bucks - In addition to your SNAP tokens, you are also eligible to receive up to $20 of what they call Double Up Food Bucks. These are usable on fresh, local produce.
  • WIC Project Fresh - Unfortunately, WIC cards themselves are not eligible for use at any farmers markets. However, Fulton Street Market offers a program called WIC Project Fresh that provides $25 in coupons for the purchase of fresh produce. This isn't something you can sign up for at the market, though. You'll have to visit their website to register.
  • Senior Project Fresh - This program provides its participants with $25 in coupons that can be used to purchase fresh vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods that are sold at roadside stands and farmers markets. Again, you'll need to register on their website to take advantage of this program.

Other Local Farmers Markets to Try Out

Once you're done at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, there are plenty of other local farmers markets for you to check out. Every farmers market is different, so you never know what you may find.

Horrocks Farm Market

Another great nearby farmers market type of place is Horrocks. This local grocery store chain offers a huge selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, and they also have over 15 varieties of delicious soups available daily. This is also a fantastic place to stop by if you are looking for a gorgeous floral arrangement. With at least 50 fresh flower options to choose from, there are endless possibilities! Make sure to take a few minutes to appreciate their beautiful Beer Garden and check to see when they have live music coming to play in their garden while you're there. And don't forget to pick up a pretty plant from their awesome selection of garden plants to take home with you. Horrocks is open year-round, except for major holidays.

Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Grand Rapids Downtown Market is an upscale market, but it has a very homey feeling to it. They offer 17 indoor food merchants and host year-round public events. Located at 435 Iona Ave SW, they are open every day except major holidays, and their hours vary, so be sure to check their website before planning your trip.

Tips For Farmers Markets

  • Bring your own bag to carry your purchases.
  • Take a walk through the market before you decide what to buy. Multiple vendors may be selling the same product and walking through to see all the vendors can help you find the best quality and the best deal. 
  • Some vendors don't accept credit/debit cards, so make sure to bring cash with you.
  • Purchase heavy products at the end of your visit. You don't want to end up carrying a watermelon around with you.

Michigan has an amazing variety of locally-grown produce available and several farmers markets in the area to choose from. You really can't go wrong. And when you're done shopping at your farmers' market, you can bring your bountiful harvest right back to your apartment here at The Preserve at Woodland to enjoy! Preserve at Woodland Apartments in Grand Rapids, MI has you in a convenient location to take advantage of everything Grand Rapids has to offer, including the amazing farmers markets. Schedule your tour today! 

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