A “pay-how-you-can” weekly farmers market open in the Globeville Elyria-Swansea community starting Wednesday, July 1. Lost City Market will operate every Wednesday through October 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the TAXI complex (3459 Ringsby Ct.). The market’s “pay-how-you-can” model provides affordable access to fresh produce and essential pantry items by allowing customers to pay in one of three ways: 1) pay full price for your a la carte items or pre-packaged farm boxes; 2) pay what you can afford, whether this is a few dollars or nothing at all; or 3) pay for your groceries by volunteering at a future market.
Taking a holistic community approach, the market will feature independent local vendors who prioritize giving back to those in need. In addition to a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins from local farms, artisan vendors will provide gourmet provisions. Confirmed vendors include:
- Comal Heritage Food Incubator
- East Denver Food Hub (sourcing from Farmer Gavin’s Fresh Eggs & Breads, Vaja Greens, Roots Revival Farm, Giggle Belly Urban Farm, High Plains Poultry, Busy Bee Farm, and several others)
- Rebel Farm
- Mile High Micro Greens
- Rebel Bread
- Metro Caring
- Lost City Capitol Hill
- Clinica Tepeyac Gardens
Lost City Market is taking strict precautionary measures to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, customers and the greater Denver community.
Face masks will be required and the market will be arranged in a way to make social distancing easy.
Vendors and designated volunteers will bag and handle products with touchless payment (debit/credit cards) encouraged, and all food will be to-go only (no sampling or eating inside the market at this time).
“We wanted to find another way to address the growing need for affordable, healthy food that also supports local farms and small businesses,” said Lost City Denver Cafe owner Michael Graham. “Lost City Market will allow attendees to purchase delicious food from local farmers and vendors in a fun and safe environment, while remaining accessible to all members of the community.”
This model is made possible through an established fund that will initially cover up to $2,000 worth of produce and goods weekly for those who need it, as well as through the generosity of partner organizations and the State of Colorado.
Funds raised through the market will go back into the fund to continue reimbursing farmers and producers while covering the cost of additional groceries for community members in need.