News Releases

The 80,000 people who work in Downtown Des Moines will have a fresh new way to spend their lunch hour when the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market opens next Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. This new six-week Market will be held on Wednesdays, Aug. 31 – Oct. 5, 2011 in Western Gateway on Thirteenth Street, between Grand Avenue and Locust Street, in Downtown Des Moines. Hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Wednesday Market will feature 30 vendors offering a mix of seasonal fresh Iowa fruit, vegetables, specialty and artisan food, local art and entertainment, and a variety of delicious lunch menu offerings. Plenty of tables and chairs will be available for those who want to take a break and enjoy lunch. Each week will showcase a range of different products as some vendors will alternate throughout the six-week Market.

“At Wellmark, improving the health of our employees, customers and communities is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to be involved in events like the Wednesday Market, where downtown Des Moines residents and businesses can experience the cultural, health and wellness benefits a farmers market has to offer, which in turn, benefits their health,” explains John D. Forsyth, Chairman and CEO, Wellmark, Inc.

Corporate sponsors of the Wednesday Market include Meredith, MetaBank, Nationwide and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. With help from these neighborhood partners; learning opportunities and special programming including cooking, gardening and fitness classes will be offered as well as live music. A detailed schedule is attached.

“It’s our pleasure to partner with the Downtown Community Alliance in support of the Wednesday Farmers’ Market. At Nationwide, we’re excited about the opportunity for our associates to participate in this downtown event that brings together neighboring companies and showcases the Western Gateway,” says W. Kim Austen, President & COO, Allied Insurance, Commercial & Specialty Operations.

Wednesday Market patrons who work Downtown are encouraged to take the free D-line shuttle, walk or take a B-cycle. For those driving, metered parking is available on Locust Street and Grand Avenue near the Market and at nearby parking ramps located at Tenth and Walnut Street, and Ninth and Locust Street.

The Wednesday Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance (DCA), the same group that produces the popular Downtown Farmers’ Market held on Saturdays through Oct. 29. The DCA plans to bring the same quality of Market that the community loves on Saturdays to the downtown workforce on Wednesdays.

“The DCA is creating opportunities for people who work downtown to experience the arts and cultural community that surrounds us,” explains Glenn Lyons, CEO of the Downtown Community Alliance. “The Wednesday Market will be another opportunity for people to take a break during their workday and embrace the downtown culture.”

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers and operated July – September. Today, the Market has grown to more than 200 vendors and an average of 18,000 visitors each Saturday during May – October. Recent development of the Market has prompted an extension of the season by opening on the first Saturday of May and extending to the last Saturday in October, as well as expanding the indoor Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Market held in November and December. The Wednesday Market is the newest addition for the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

For more information about the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market, visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.

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About the Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance. The regular market season runs every Saturday, May 7 – October 29, 2011 from 7 a.m. – noon in the Historic Court Avenue District. The Downtown Farmers’ Market also produces a Winter Market in November and December and now a Wednesday Market in Western gateway. The Downtown Community Alliance, in association with Greater Des Moines Partnership, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to achieve a shared vision for the future of Downtown Des Moines through leadership, advocacy and partnership. Programs include business and residential and economic development, event management, marketing and promotion, and Operation Downtown, an initiative to keep downtown safe, clean, and beautiful.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES – The Downtown Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market is set to open in just a month.  The Wednesday Market will be held in the Western Gateway on Wednesdays, Aug. 31 – Oct. 5, 2011 on Thirteenth Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street in Downtown Des Moines. Hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This new Market will bring a large variety of locally grown food. Additionally, neighborhood partners Meredith, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nationwide, and MetaBank will offer special programming to enhance this six-week pilot project.

“The Wednesday Market will really enhance the vibrant and growing Western Gateway Neighborhood, which Meredith calls home,” says Steve Lacy, Meredith CEO. “Additionally, given our focus on wellness, I am pleased that it will offer our employees and other downtown workers a convenient venue for purchasing fresh, local and healthy food.”

• Meredith will open its renowned Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden during the Market on Aug. 31 and Oct. 5. It will also offer a Greek grilling class from Food Editor Carlos Acevedo and a bulb gardening class from Master Gardener and BHG.com Editor Justin Hancock.
• Wellmark will offer 30 minute group activities such as Yoga and Bootcamp led by certified instructors on the lawn west of the downtown Library.
• Nationwide will liven up the Market with entertainment featuring bluegrass inspired performers each week.
• MetaBank will hold a weekly fresh and canned food drive called RE:plenish. The food will be collected and donated to DMARCS 10 central Iowa emergency food pantries, who distribute food to the homeless and hungry in central Iowa.

“Ever since we started as a small-town Iowa bank in 1954, we’ve always understood that being a community bank has meant putting an emphasis on the word, ‘community.’  It’s always been about serving our communities and reacting to their needs. That’s why we’re very proud to sponsor the RE:plenish program that supplies wholesome foods to area food shelters so those in need don’t have to go without what many of us take for granted: a healthy, fresh meal,” Troy Moore, MetaBank COO.

The Wednesday Market will feature 30 vendors offering a mix of seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, specialty and artisan food, local art and entertainment, with a focus on prepared food perfect for lunch. The Market will offer an abundance of seating providing a great lunchtime destination.

The Wednesday Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance. Corporate sponsors include Meredith Corporation, Nationwide, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetaBank and Des Moines Park and Recreation.  Media partners are the Des Moines Register and Capital 106.3. The Downtown Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market is a pilot program that will be tested in 2011 with 30 vendors for a six-week period. If the Wednesday Market is embraced by the community, plans for the future include expansion of the site as well as the number of participating vendors. Additional information regarding a vendor list will be released in August.

Media inquiries should be directed to Kari Tindall at (515) 286-4906.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES – The Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market is pleased to announce the return of the Meals from the Market program on Saturday, June 4, 2011. In its third year, Meals from the Market offers vendors and patrons an opportunity to give back to the community by providing fresh food to the homeless and hungry in central Iowa. The program is a collaborative effort between First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa, Hope Ministries, Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Starting Saturday, June 4, the Meals from the Market program will be open to collect donations from both market vendors and patrons at a booth located at Second and Court Avenue on the north side of the street. Volunteers from First Federal of Iowa will take collections every Saturday through Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. – noon. After the Market, the fresh food is then taken to Hope Ministries and DMARC where the food contributions are committed to creating meals to feed the hungry in our community and is also sent to ten central Iowa emergency food pantry sites.

Last year the Meals from the Market program collected more than $55,000 in donations creating 26,511 meals for the hungry. The Market hopes to increase the collection of food donations to $75,000 an equivalent of 27,778 meals.

“We are so excited to partner again this year with the Downtown Farmers Market, DMARC and Hope Ministries in making a significant difference in fighting hunger in central Iowa. This couldn’t happen without the very generous support of the many Downtown Farmers’ Market vendors who donate their quality produce, baked goods, and dairy products week after week,” said David M. Bradley, Chairman and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa.

Market vendors, patrons, and the entire community are invited to help with this effort. Any type of food donations will be accepted and appreciated. Because the donation is going to Hope Ministries and/or DMARC, it is tax deductible and receipts will be available upon request. Acceptable food donations include: produce, baked goods, canned goods, and prepared food – nearly everything you will find at the Market. Home gardeners and bakers who find themselves with extra are also encouraged to donate to the program. Home gardeners are encouraged to plant an extra row to donate to Meals from the Market.

Meals from the Market was created two years ago due to suggestions and requests from Market vendors who have asked Market organizers to coordinate a place to drop off food and products that didn’t sell during the Market. Kelly Foss, director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market explains, “We are proud to offer this program once again to help feed the hungry in our community. This has been a perfect outlet for our vendors who want to share their remaining fresh food at the end of the Market day. This year we hope more Market patrons and others in the community will join our efforts to help the less fortunate in our community.”

Media inquires should be directed to Amy Baker at 515-286-4919.

The Downtown Community Alliance, producers of the Des Moines Farmer’s Market, are seeking two sales persons to work the Downtown Retail Store for the duration of the 2011 Market Season.  The work hours are 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, Saturdays through the end of October.  Other work opportunities may exist with the Wednesday and Winter Markets later in the year.

The Downtown Retail Store offers apparel, posters, and novelty items associated with the Farmer’s Market, Downtown Des Moines, or various Downtown Events.

Senior Sales Associate

We are seeking a person with apparel sales and merchandizing experience.

Sales Associate

We are seeking a person with retail sales experience.  Part of this job description is to bring product to and from the storage building to the market kiosk.  Some heavy lifting is involved.

Contact

Interested parties should email checkard@downtowndesmoines.com providing their contact information and relevant experience.

Posting Period

Applications will be considered as received.   The postings will remain open until filled.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES – The Downtown Community Alliance is pleased to announce opening day for the 2011 Downtown Farmers’ Market season is this Saturday, May 7, 2011. The Market spans nine city blocks and is held in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines, every Saturday, rain or shine and even holidays, from May 7 – Oct. 29, 2011. Hours are 7 a.m. – noon.

A major enhancement to the Market this year is the closure of Third Street between Walnut and Vine Streets. In previous years, Third Street has been open through the middle of the Market with police officers directing traffic through the crowd of 20,000 people. This year Third Street will be closed, making the Market a true open air street market. The street closure will also provide a better flow of pedestrian traffic through the Market.  Important note – access to parking will not be disrupted. The parking ramp at Third and Court Avenue will remain open for Market patrons and residents will also have access to Third Street. (See attached map.)

“We are very excited about the 2011 Market season,” says Kelly Foss, Downtown Farmers’ Market director. “We are proud to deliver this community event that has evolved into a viable marketplace for producers of Iowa-grown food and products.  The 2011 season will bring nearly 50 new vendors and products featuring acai berries, farm raised tilapia, Maine-Anjou beef, and hip urban attire just for kids.”

The Downtown Farmers’ Market supports producers from across Iowa, offering seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, poultry, cheese, eggs, wine, flowers, bedding plants, breads, pastries, nuts and so much more. The Market also offers specialty and artisan food, provides a variety of local art and entertainment, and offers learning opportunities and special programming – all while presenting enjoyment, fun, and excitement.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers and operated July – September. Today, the Market has grown to more than 200 vendors and an average of 18,000 visitors each Saturday during May – October.  Recent development of the Market has prompted a new pilot project called the Wednesday Market to be held in the Western Gateway from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. as well as expanding the indoor Downtown Farmers’ Market ­- Winter Season held in November and December. Last year’s opening day on Court Avenue attracted a record crowd of nearly 40,000 people. The Downtown Farmers’ Market is produced by the Downtown Community Alliance and is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, Waste Management, First Federal, Clear Channel Radio and The Des Moines Register.

For more information about the Downtown Farmers’ Market, visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com. All media inquires should be directed to Amy Baker at (515) 286-4919.

A Saturday morning tradition will soon become a Wednesday favorite for the Downtown workforce

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES – The Downtown Community Alliance is pleased to announce an addition to the Downtown Farmers’ Market,  a new Wednesday Market will be offered in the Western Gateway starting Aug. 31, 2011. This six-week pilot program will be held on Wednesdays, Aug. 31 – Oct. 5, 2011 in Western Gateway on Thirteenth Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street in Downtown Des Moines. Hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Wednesday Market will be offered in addition to the Downtown Farmers’ Market held on Saturdays in the Historic Court District. Corporate sponsors include Meredith, Nationwide, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa and the Des Moines Register.

“We researched the idea with the downtown workforce, our vendors and Market patrons to gauge interest. The response was overwhelmingly positive,” explains Kelly Foss, director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market. “Our plan is to bring the same quality of Market that the community loves on Saturdays to the downtown workforce on Wednesdays.  The Wednesday Market will complement the Downtown Farmers’ Market.”

The Wednesday Market will feature 30 vendors offering a mix of seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables, specialty and artisan food, local art and entertainment, with a focus on prepared food perfect for lunch in the beautiful Western Gateway. This new Market will also offer learning opportunities and special programming provided by Market sponsors.

“We’re trying to convey the message that when you work downtown, you don’t just work in an office building, you work in an arts and cultural community.  The best way of doing that is creating opportunities for people,” explains Glenn Lyons, CEO of the Downtown Community Alliance.  “The Wednesday Market will be another opportunity for people to take a break during their workday and embrace the downtown culture.”

The Downtown Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market is a pilot program that will be tested in 2011 with 30 vendors for a six-week period. If the Wednesday Market is embraced by the community, plans for the future include expansion of the site as well as the number of participating vendors. Additional information regarding a vendor list and sponsor participation will be released later this summer at a news conference.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers and operated July – September. Today, the Market has grown to more than 200 vendors and an average of 18,000 visitors each Saturday during May – October. Recent development of the Market has prompted an extension of the season by opening on the first Saturday of May and extending to the last Saturday in October, as well as expanding the indoor Downtown Farmers’ Market – Winter Market held in November and December.

For more information about the Downtown Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market, visitwww.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com or call Amy Baker at 286-4919.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES – The Downtown Farmers’ Market is pleased to announce the return of the Meals from the Market program. In its second year, Meals from the Market offers vendors and patrons an opportunity to give back to the community by providing fresh food to the homeless and hungry in central Iowa. The program is a collaborative effort between First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa, Hope Ministries, Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Starting this Saturday, the Meals from the Market program sponsored by First Federal Iowa, will be open to collect donations from both market vendors and patrons at a booth located at Second Avenue just north of Court Avenue. The collections will continue every Saturday through Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. – noon. After the Market, the fresh food is then taken to Hope Ministries and DMARC where the food contributions are committed to creating meals to feed the hungry in our community and is also sent to 10 central Iowa emergency food pantry sites.

“In 2009, the Market vendors and patrons donated literally “tons” of food and produce. We’d like to think we were able to make at least a little dent in feeding the homeless and hungry in Central Iowa from June to October. We are thrilled to be partnering with Downtown Farmers Market again in 2010 and look forward to expanding the program even more to increase the amount of food we provide to local food pantries and shelters,” says Thomas J. Hromatka, Executive Vice President, First Federal Iowa.

Market vendors, patrons, and the entire community are invited to help with this effort. Any type of food donations will be accepted and appreciated. Because the donation is going to Hope Ministries and/or DMARC, it is tax deductible and receipts will be available upon request. Acceptable food donations include: produce, baked goods, canned goods, and prepared food – nearly everything you will find at the Market. Home gardeners and bakers who find themselves with extra are also encouraged to donate to the program.

Meals from the Market was created last year due to suggestions and requests from Market vendors who have asked Market organizers to coordinate a place to drop off food and products that didn’t sell during the Market. Kelly Foss, director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market explains, “We are proud to offer this program once again to help feed the hungry in our community. This has been a perfect outlet for our vendors who don’t sell all of their goods and we hope this year Market patrons and others in the community will join our efforts to help the less fortunate in our community.”

New this year, Tucker Ruppert is joining the Meals from the Market team to enhance the pick up program. Tucker is a junior at Roosevelt High School and the son of long-time vendors Brad and Sundie Ruppert. Tucker has been chosen as one of 15 Iowa high school juniors to compete in the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award. This is a $5,000 project-based scholarship and his proposal was to increase donations by organizing an enhanced pick up program for vendors. Tucker recognized a need to assist busy vendors that can’t get to drop off booth and has been working behind the scenes to coordinate the collection of fresh food donations at the Market. He will also be coordinating and recruiting volunteers to execute collection of the food.

Last year the Meals from the Market program collected $40,000 in donations. The Market hopes to increase the collection of food donations to $100,000.

The Downtown Community Alliance is pleased to announce opening day for the 2010 Downtown Farmers’ Market season will be Saturday, May 1, 2010. The Market spans nine city blocks and is held in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines, every Saturday, from May 1 – Oct. 30, 2010 with hours 7 a.m. – noon.

“We are very excited about the 2010 market season,” says Kelly Foss, Downtown Farmers’ Market director. “In our 35th season, we will celebrate by reflecting on our past, present, and future. The market has evolved over the years, we are proud that it has developed into a viable marketplace for producers of Iowa-grown food and products that is embraced by the Greater Des Moines community.”
The Downtown Farmers’ Market supports producers from across Iowa, offering seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables and so much more. The Market also offers specialty and artisan food, provides a variety of local art and entertainment, and offers learning opportunities and special programming – all while presenting enjoyment, fun, and excitement.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers and operated July – September. Today, the Market has grown to more than 200 vendors and an average of 18,000 visitors each Saturday during May – October.  Recent development of the Market has prompted an extension of the season by opening on the first Saturday of May and extending to the last Saturday in October, as well as expanding the indoor Downtown Farmers’ Market ¬- Winter Season held in November and December. Last year’s opening day on Court Avenue attracted a record crowd of more then 30,000 people.