One part of the capital city is about to get a much-needed dose of freshness as the West Little Rock Farmers Market makes its debut this spring.
Set for Saturday, April 18, the inaugural WLRFM will be held at Breckenridge Village in the parking lot outside The Root Cafe, Film Alley and Epoch Church.
WLRFM is the latest initiative of the Arkansas Local Food Network and is run by an advisory board that includes representatives from ALFN, The Root Cafe, central Arkansas farmers, the UA Division of Agriculture and several locals with experience in farmers markets.
“The Root Cafe’s mission is ‘building community through local food,’” says Jack Sundell, owner and operator of the restaurant. “When we opened our west Little Rock location at Breckenridge Village, we realized there was no farmers market west of University, an area of Little Rock that is home to about two-thirds of Little Rock’s residents. So we saw a great opportunity to connect residents in this part of the city with local farmers and producers, and at the same time create a vibrant community gathering place.”
Each week, shoppers can expect to find traditional market fare such as locally grown produce, pasture-raised meats, breads, honey, canned goods, cut flowers and handcrafted goods, as well as live music, activities for kids, gardening workshops and cooking demonstrations.
“Our vision is for WLRFM to become a weekly community gathering spot centered around local foods and sustainable activities,” Sundell says. “This area of west Little Rock is home to so many people, but it lacks walkable commercial areas like the River Market, SoMa, Hillcrest, The Heights or The Promenade at Chenal.
“We hope to draw people to the Breckenridge Village shopping center to stock up on local groceries, grab a coffee and chat with friends and neighbors in an inviting, community focused atmosphere!”
WLRFM will be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through the end of October. Organizers will also host a “Planting the Seeds” fundraiser for the market at The Root Cafe at Breckenridge on Feb. 22.
For more information and updates, follow WLRFM on Facebook and Instagram.