The first Reiske Park Farmers Market, created by a neighbor on Milwaukee’s south side, will now begin on Thursday, June 23.
The market, which will serve Reiske Park on South 23rd and West Lapham streets, was set to launch on Tuesday, June 16, but was postponed due to weather, said John Guerrero, the farmers market’s founder and lead organizer.
“When I’ve been to other markets and volunteered, and it’s raining, vendors are miserable,” Guerrero said. “It becomes safety issue with the rain or high winds that destroy product.”
After June 23, the next market will be on Thursday, June 30.
From that point on, the market will be held every other Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., starting on July 14 and continuing until Sept. 22.
About the Reiske Park Farmers Market
After a lifetime of visiting, volunteering at and running several food pantries, Guerrero joined the Food Leaders Lab, a leadership program led by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin that trains residents to identify and implement solutions for food insecurity.
Through the program, Guerrero founded the farmers market at Reiske Park in the Muskego Way neighborhood to fulfill his dream of bringing healthier food options to his community.
At the market, residents will be able to use FoodShare benefits and other assistance programs to shop for food. Local nonprofits and programs will also have booths at the market to connect neighbors to more resources, Guerrero said.
In addition to fresh food, the market will provide entertainment for neighbors of all ages, including food education activities for kids, Guerrero said.
For those interested in donating to help support the market’s operations, Guerrero has started a GoFundMe page for the market. To learn more about the Reiske Park Farmers Market, visit the website.
Alyssa Salcedo covers Silver City, Layton Park and Burnham Park for the Journal Sentinel’s Neighborhood Dispatch. Contact her at asalcedo@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Reiske Park Farmers Market opening day postponed due to weather
Reporting by Alyssa N. Salcedo, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Alyssa N. Salcedo, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
