502 Black Business Week kicks off at West End Farmers Market in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- 502 Black Business Week kicked off in Louisville Sunday as local vendors were featured at a farmers market.

The West End Farmers Market was held at California Park. The bi-weekly summer event features fresh produce, arts and crafts and fun for children.

The celebration Sunday featured Black fatherhood, local entrepreneurs and free meals thanks to KFC. More than 30 vendors participated in the farmer's market that now accepts SNAP and EBT.

"It's been a crazy great turnout, even though today is Father's Day I was expecting a lot less people but it has still been the same amount of just joy and great times," said Timothy Sloss Jr., a vendor.

Expecting mothers could also get a free fruits and vegetables The next farmer's market will be June 29.

The farmers market is focused on expanding access to fresh produce and healthy food options in the city's west end. The market, launched last year by the nonprofit Change Today, Change Tomorrow, aims to tackle food insecurity in an area that has long been considered a food desert, with limited access to traditional grocery stores.

This season, at least 20 vendors are already signed up for the market, which will operate every other Sunday through Oct. 5 at California Park.

Interested vendors can apply by clicking here. There is no vendor fee required to participate this year after a $300,000 pledge from an anonymous UK-based donor to advance food justice and sustainable community health. For additional questions, email farmersmarket@change-today.org.

To learn more or donate to Change Today, Change Tomorrow, click here.

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