FOUR FRIENDS CAME TOGETHER.
Inspired by the nationwide movement to bring farmers markets back to cities, four friends from the adjacent neighborhoods of Charles Village, Better Waverly, Oakenshaw, and Harwood, decided to do the same in Baltimore City.
In early 1980, they filed for incorporation, secured a city-owned parking lot, solicited a dozen-plus farmers and a fisherman, got a grant for a market manager, and successfully launched the new “neighborhood market” on May 30. The farmers came from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, paying $50 for a season (until November 1) to sell fresh produce and fish directly to customers, "no middlemen allowed."
“The goal is get our own community involved in providing fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood for our residents at the least possible cost.”
- DAN MENDELSON, ONE OF THE FOUNDERS TO THE BALTIMORE SUN 1981
The Market also offered workshops (urban gardening, health care, alternative energy, and home canning and preserving) in its first season as part of the neighborhood development effort.
By 1985 the market season had been expanded until Thanksgiving and added vendors, including fresh-flowers and French breads. An Evening Sun article explained how to shop at the outdoor markets ("Go early [and] do not expect to barter”). It pointed out that children could be acquainted with foods they may not see all the time, to bring paper bags, and that it was a good idea to leave dogs at home.
a call for year-round.
Through the 1990s the summertime Market continued to increase the number and variety of vendors and expand shopping opportunities. Some farmers, wanting to sell year-round, asked the Greater Homewood Association if it would run a winter market. That program continued for six-plus years, when the summertime Board agreed to make the Market year-round.
Vernon ‘Marc’ Ray, a patron since the Market’s earliest days, contributed to the Market’s growth from a summer-time event to a year-’round food hub. Marc was instrumental in the Market’s success, serving as volunteer, staff member, Market Manager, Board President, and ultimately its Community Liaison.
celebrating decades of positive impact.
In the early 2000s, the USDA food stamps program became available to farmers. Food access programs, through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and other local organizations, became a hallmark of the Market’s service to its customers, as was the small grants for nonprofits program.
As it grew, the Market codified its ten-member Board (five vendors, five community representatives) and expanded its staff; vendors welcomed their next generation to work their stands. Customers who had moved away returned to introduce their children to their favorite farmers.
The Market was deemed a critical asset by the City during the 2020 pandemic, by establishing protocols that kept its small businesses able to provide fresh foods for its customers. The Market stayed open throughout Covid-19, closing only twice by massive snowstorms.
32nd Street Farmers Market will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2025. It remains true to its mission, to host year-round weekly outdoor shopping opportunities that connect neighbors with farmers and makers, encourage entrepreneurs, celebrate the diversity of Baltimore City, and to provide greater access to a larger variety of healthy, locally-sourced produce and goods.