The event on Sunday was one effort–among many–to extend the awareness and discussion about the upcoming closing of Akron’s Innerbelt (Rt. 59) and re-imagine the space for the betterment of our city.
United Way donor investments are supporting mini-farmers markets in low-income “food desert” neighborhoods. Here, residents can use their SNAP and EBT benefits (food stamps) to purchase all foods for sale. They can also receive “Carrot Cash,” a dollar-for-dollar match of their food stamps to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Residents are being trained to expand markets into their own neighborhoods and nutrition education programs will be offered through nearby after school programs.
The recent Jefferson Avenue Market Day in Highland Square included local artisans from The Akron Honey Company, Akron Coffee Roasters, Urban Buzz, Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce and Sweet Mary’s Bakery.
On a recent scorching Sunday afternoon, innovative beekeeper and owner of Akron Honey Co. Brent Wesley afforded west side shoppers an island from the heat and humidity by organizing the second annual Jefferson Avenue Market Day.
The tented display booths showcased cooking demonstrations and novel new products from Akron’s new generation of creative young entrepreneurs. These businesses are proudly touting local and sustainable partnerships that have woven a fabric of camaraderie and interdependence among themselves. Booths swarmed with curiosity and taste-testing.
Hattie Larlham will add a vital community service to its garden-to-work training programs, a much needed oasis in the food desert that exists at Akron’s Douglas Street, near the Akron Zoo.
Commerce Center Park, which offers a small break of nature in the middle of downtown Akron, received a much-needed facelift Thursday, thanks to a group of community volunteers. Located just south of the United One Building and next to the Main Library — with two regal columns, a small gate and courtyard — this park likely goes unnoticed by motorists every day, but is an important element of the downtown Akron landscape.
Good Place Akron 