East Side Farmers Market

Cultivating Community Through the East Side Farmers Market

By Felicia Henderson, Wellness Program Officer

Community members gather at the East Side Farmers Market at Swede Hollow Sculpture Park.

When we talk about wellness at Rooted Philanthropic, we often think about fitness, mental health, and access to care. But wellness also begins with something fundamental: access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food.

That is one of the reasons the East Side Farmers Market has become such an important part of our Wellness Pillar.

The market was created through collaboration between Urban Roots, Indigenous Roots, community partners, and East Side residents who shared a common vision—a neighborhood market that reflects the richness, diversity, and culture of our community while improving access to fresh food and local goods.

For years, community members repeatedly identified the need for a consistent farmers market on Saint Paul’s East Side. Residents shared concerns about access to healthy food and the absence of a neighborhood market comparable to those found in other parts of the metro area. Those conversations helped shape what would eventually become the East Side Farmers Market.

Launched in 2025 at Swede Hollow Sculpture Park, the market quickly became more than a place to purchase fruits, vegetables, and handmade products. It became a gathering place where neighbors connect, local entrepreneurs thrive, and cultural traditions are celebrated.

What I appreciate most about the market is that it reflects the values we strive to advance through our Wellness Pillar.

It promotes wellness by increasing access to nutritious foods and creating opportunities for residents to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

It supports local economic growth by uplifting BIPOC-owned farms, small businesses, and artisans who often face barriers to traditional markets. Vendors are provided opportunities to participate at little or no cost, helping create a more accessible and equitable marketplace.

It strengthens community by activating public space and creating opportunities for residents to spend time together in a welcoming environment. Live music, artistic performances, and cultural experiences transform each market day into a celebration of the people who call the East Side home.

And perhaps most importantly, it creates space for cultural learning and connection. Food has always been a powerful way for people to share stories, traditions, and identity. The market provides opportunities for community members to learn about different cultures and appreciate the diversity that makes our neighborhood so vibrant.

The early response from the community has been encouraging. Vendors have reported strong sales, fresh produce has frequently sold out, and attendance continues to demonstrate that residents value having this resource in their neighborhood.

While those outcomes are exciting, I believe the greatest success of the East Side Farmers Market is the sense of belonging it helps create.

Every market day represents an opportunity for neighbors to reconnect, discover local businesses, support youth leadership, and invest in the health and vitality of our community. Through the work of Urban Roots, youth interns gain valuable experience while contributing to a project that directly benefits the neighborhoods they serve.

As we continue advancing the Wellness Pillar, the East Side Farmers Market reminds us that wellness is not built through a single program or initiative. It is built through sustained investments in people, relationships, access, and community assets that allow everyone to thrive.

We are grateful to the partners, vendors, artists, youth leaders, and community members who have helped bring this vision to life. Together, we are creating a space where health, culture, economic opportunity, and community connection can grow side by side.

This is only the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to support efforts that make the East Side a healthier, more connected place for all.