Local Produce Comes to the Government Center

Can't wait until May!

Last night the Council passed a resolution authorizing the Government to enter into an agreement with the Lexington Farmers Market for a pilot project to provide fresh produce at the Government Center.  A stand with fresh produce from members of the Lexington Farmers Market will open May 17th and will operate on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm from May through September.  If the pilot is successful, the partners will look to expand to additional hours and other locations.   The project is part of ongoing efforts by LFUCG and local residents to support healthier choices for government employees and for the wider community.

Many thanks to my aide, Leah Boggs, to Lori Houlihan and Kevin Atkins in the Mayor’s Office, and to Farmers Market staff who worked through the details to make this pilot project possible.  Thanks also to ProgressLexington and to the Local Food Percolator for their leadership.  The Local Food Percolator received one of two competitive grants ProgressLexington made available to help implement project ideas that arose at their “un-conference” What Now Lexington.  That grant will help fund the start-up costs for the produce stand.

This project is a great example of individuals, non-profit groups,  and government all working together to promote and enhance both the physical and economic health of our community.