Two weekly outdoor markets offer affordable, healthy produce

The Healthy Farmers Markets return to Anythink with two weekly opportunities for community members to purchase fresh produce from local farmers. Hosted in conjunction with City of Thornton, Adams County Health Department, Adams County Human Services Department, the American Heart Association and East Denver Food Hub, outdoor markets help increase food and nutrition access in Thornton. The markets will open on Tuesday, June 20 at Anythink Huron Street and on Thursday, June 22 at Anythink Wright Farms, and will continue through September.

Working with local farmers and food producers, the Healthy Farmers Markets are committed to making healthy, fresh produce options accessible and affordable to all in the community. Attendees who receive SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid, and older adults aged 65 and older can access produce vouchers on-site. Resources such as health screenings, recipes, nutrition education, entertainment, and more are also available.

“Anythink serves as an ideal location to promote health and wellness to Adams County residents, and we’re proud to host the Healthy Farmers Markets,” says Anythink Director of Customer Experience Suzanne McGowan. “Not only are customers getting fresh, local and nutritious produce at their local library, but they’re also making connections to resources that can benefit their families and communities.”

“The Healthy Farmers Markets provide access to affordable, fresh, and locally-grown produce in areas that otherwise lack access to these foods,” says Adams County Health Department Health Equity and Community Engagement Manager, Sylvia Kamau-Small, MSHSA. “In partnership with many trusted community resources, the Markets aim to increase health equity by removing barriers, such as cost and access, to healthy foods and to improve economic stability for local businesses and agricultural producers as vendors at the markets.”

The 2022 Adams County Community Health Assessment finds that 1 in 8 (12%) of residents are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to nutritious food. 36% of children aged 1-14 and 17% of high school-aged children are unable to consistently put healthy food on the table, posing risks to the long-term health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of children across the state. The Healthy Farmers Markets bring nutritious produce to Adams County communities to combat hunger in the region and to provide a space for community members learn about nutrition and resources.

“The Healthy Farmers Markets serve as a trusted gathering space for our community,” says City of Thornton Community Connections Coordinator Brenda Gomez. “We love to see the joy in our community when a monetary voucher is provided. This empowers them to take charge in eating healthier bringing home fresh Colorado-grown produce. It also provides them the possibility of stretching out their dollars to pay other essential living expenses. Often, we hear that these markets are a blessing to them and their families. We are happy to continue our partnership with the Steering Committee who all share the same interests in increasing food access to our community.”

“Healthy eating starts with access to readily available, nutritious food, says American Heart Association Community Impact Director Kacie Warner. “The American Heart Association is committed to providing tangible solutions that help ensure Colorado residents have access to wholesome, affordable foods in a comfortable setting. We know that access to healthy food plays a critical role in overall heart health. By supporting the Healthy Farmer’s Markets, the American Heart Association aims to provide residents with critical nutrition information and affordable, locally grown fruits and vegetables in their community to help build lasting healthy habits.” 

Healthy Farmers Markets

Anythink Huron Street
9417 Huron St., Thornton, CO 80260
Tuesdays, June 20-Sept. 26, 2023
9 am-12 pm

Anythink Wright Farms
5877 E. 120^th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602
Thursdays, June 22-Sept. 28, 2023
9 am-12 pm

No markets will be held on July 4 and 6 or Sept. 5 and 7.