The Moore Square Farmer's Market Announces Sponsorship from Whole Foods and Vendor Meeting on March 20th
Contact: Jennifer Noble Kelly
Jennifer.noblekelly@gmail.com
919-368-4987
THE MOORE SQUARE FARMER’S MARKET ANNOUNCES MAJOR SPONSORSHIP FROM WHOLE FOODS MARKET ®
AND VENDOR MEETING ON MARCH 20TH
(Raleigh, NC, March 12th, 2007) – Following a very successful first season at the Moore Square Farmer’s Market, the market will open for its second season on Wednesday April 4th with its mission to bring the highest quality local growers and food artisans together for the Raleigh audience, and to support and preserve the family farms and the landscape that make North Carolina unique. The market, which will take place every Wednesday from 10:30am until 2pm from April through October, is located in downtown Raleigh under the oak trees in charming Moore Square.
At the March 20th meeting, the Board of Directors will update previous, newly accepted and potential vendors about Moore Square Farmer’s Market news, goals and regulations. “Based on last seasons’ sales we believe the potential for this market is unlimited so we’ve spent the past few months examining every area of the market to ensure that the critical components are in place for an even more successful market this season; approaching sponsors was one of our main goals, and we’re thrilled to announce that Whole Foods Market has generously agreed not only to be our main sponsor, but has also agreed to prepare and sell sandwiches and other lunch items at every market.,” explained vendor and Board of Directors member Portia McKnight of Chapel Hill Creamery. A member of the Whole Foods Market team will speak at the vendor meeting on March 20th.
Whole Foods Markets’ Regional Manager Teresa Jones expressed her excitement about the sponsorship by saying, “Whole Foods Market’s history and reputation are intimately linked to our support of local farmers. One of our core values is supporting our communities and the environment, and promoting local farmers through farmer’s markets such as the Moore Square Farmer’s Market puts this value into action in a very real way. In addition to funding, we believe that by making sandwiches available for sale, we’ll help to attract more potential customers to the market, provide a healthy and locally grown lunch, and build on the sense of community that the market has begun to establish.”
In addition to seeking sponsorship to aide in operating costs for this urban market, including funding for a new Market Manager, there has also been extensive outreach to new vendors in an effort to present a well-rounded selection of foods throughout spring, summer and fall. In addition to the huge selection of vegetables, fruits, pastured meats, fresh eggs and artisanal breads that will continue to be offered, they’re also delighted to offer more organic products than ever before, and feature North Carolina wineries on a rotating basis, making the Moore Square Farmer’s Market one of the few in the nation to showcase local wine. Plans are also underway again this year for a chef’s demo series, educational programs, live music and more.
Produced by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, this market is designed to serve the 30,000+ residents and employees in Raleigh’s downtown during their lunch hour. “After such a successful first season, we’re more certain than ever that this farmer’s market is playing a key role in the development of our vibrant downtown community,” exclaimed Vice President Tracey Lovejoy.
The Moore Square Farmer’s Market aims to serve the greater Raleigh area as well as downtown thanks to its truly unique offering from local farms and artisans and quality control guidelines that ensure the highest standards possible.
Current and potential growers and food artisans are invited to attend the vendor meeting on March 20th at 11am which will be held in the Raleigh Urban Design Center located at 133 Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh. (Due to our relationship with City Market, we are not allowed to include non-food artisans.) For those who cannot attend, please contact Ellen Fragola at ellenfragola@downtownraleigh.org or (919) 832-1231 to request an application or visit www.godowntownraleigh.com/FarmersMarket.
The Moore Square Farmer’s Market looks forward to continuing its tradition of bringing Raleigh a new alternative for accessing and enjoying the freshest and highest quality local food straight from the growers and artisans themselves right here in the heart of Raleigh’s vibrant downtown.
www.godowntownraleigh.com/FarmersMarket
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