Aya Community Markets is a DC-based social enterprise aiming to reinvent the farmer's market in "food desert" and "low-access" communities. In addition to a variety of local, sustainable, and organic produce, the Markets feature holistic health information booths and demonstration booths for activities such as yoga, cycling, and capoeira.
Aya Community Markets aim to bring green living to underserved communities, while also offering services such as business development for farmers and vendors, and health screenings and seminars. The Markets make local produce even more affordable with their Aya Bonus Bucks program, which matches EBT, WIC and Senior Farmers Market Voucher purchases up to $10.
Aya Community Markets is a social enterprise designed and implemented by DC non-profit Dreaming Out Loud.
Contact Information
Aya Community Markets website
Aya Community Markets on Facebook
Aya Community Markets on Twitter
What's Driving This Trend
- Social Enterprise Farmers Markets
- There's an opportunity for social enterprises to create more farmers markets with holistic services for low-access communities
- Holistic Health Education
- From yoga to cycling, educational booths and demonstrations could be integrated in more food markets to promote healthy lifestyles
- Affordable Local Produce Programs
- Matching vouchers for EBT, WIC and Senior Farmers Market purchases provide an avenue to make local produce even more affordable
Who This Affects Most
- Social Enterprises
- Social enterprises can lead the way in implementing innovative farmers markets that serve low-access communities
- Health and Wellness
- Health and wellness industries can collaborate with farmers markets to promote holistic health education and activities
- Agriculture
- Farmers and vendors can benefit from business development services provided by social enterprise farmers markets
