Countryside Supported Mini Farmers' Markets

Since 2013, Countryside Conservancy has actively supported the development of small scale, neighborhood-centric farmers' markets. These markets are created in collaboration with community organizations located in the area with the express intent of bringing fresh, local food to neighborhoods that lack access.  Countryside provides guidance and technical assistance on market management, SNAP acceptance, and nutrition incentive programs such as Carrot Cash.  

Small scale markets in underserved neighborhoods offer unique challenges, and also unique opportunities.  Because larger scale growers are hesitant to commit the time and resources necessary to participate in smale scale markets, it offers an opportunity to work with urban and micro-scale growers interested in bringing their products to market to help meet specific community needs.

We encourage you to patronize these markets and help spread the word!

Are you interested in establishing a neighborhood scale market in your community?  Please reach out to us to find out how we can help you succeed!

Summit Lake Neighborhood Farmers' Market

presented by Let's Grow Akron

OPENING DAY ~ June 26th 

Tuesdays, 4pm - 7pm
June 26th through September 25th

Summit Lake Community Center
380 W. Crosier Ave, Akron, OH 44311

Market Night on Arlington

presented by East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation

OPENING DAY ~ June 21st

Thursdays, 3pm - 6pm
June 21st through September 13th, biweekly

550 South Arlington Rd, Akron, OH 44306

All Countryside supported mini-markets accept SNAP/Ohio Direction Cards, and also offer the Produce Perks (formerly Carrot Cash) nutrition incentive program. Through support from a USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program grant, the Ohio Department of Health, and GAR Foundation, mini-markets offer a dollar-for-dollar incentive for SNAP customers for purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables. SNAP customers swipe their cards at a terminal located at the market's information booth. Customers select the amount of dollars to be taken off their SNAP card, in exchange for tokens in $1 increments.  The tokens are good for the purchase of all SNAP eligible items. Additionally, a matching amount of Produce Perks tokens (up to $15), is provided for purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables.