After my move from California, I immediately missed my weekly routine going to farmer’s markets in my area. Coming into my graduate program, I am extremely excited to be learning about agriculture and food systems on a global level, but I want to learn more about what my regional area can provide. Although I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m learning so much about D.C food systems that I look forward to sharing with you all.
FRESHFARM Markets
Freshfarm Markets have a variety of markets located across the greater DC area.
The markets across Arlington and Washington D.C. connect underserved communities with seasonal products from local farmers to bridge communities to accessible ad secure foods.
The market has an initiative for Fresh Match, which incentivizes the use of nutrition benefits at more than 110 farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Other programs include Produce Plus, Pop Up Food Hub, Free Summer Meals and Gleaning. The website also has educational opportunities on regional food systems!
These markets have a variety of food stalls and vendors who carry seasonal produce. Everyone was so kind when answering my questions and I felt invited to come back in following weeks. I would definitely recommend making any of these markets a pitstop in your weekly routine!
Eastern Market DC
For over 136 years, Eastern Market is located at 225 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. This destination is known for fresh food, community events, and on weekends, a farmer’s market.
I went to this market on my birthday and I was so glad we stumbled into it after visiting the external farmer’s stands. There is such a variety of options!
- Including:
- Butchers
- Dairy
- Poultry
- Baked Goods
- Grocerers & Pasta
- Cheese
- Seafood mogers
I now want to introduce two urban farms to hope to visit soon!
Urban Agriculture — DC Greens
DC Greens advances health equity by building a just and resilient food system. Their website states they are hoping to streamline various health food programs:
- Focusing on transformational changes at the systems-level
- Building bridges between government, private sector, communities and non-profits
- Developing advocacy channels to amplify marginalized voices
- Curating best practices and leveraging existing infrastructure
- Theory of change by advancing equitable food policy that shifts the scale, scope, and nature of government investment and responsibility
Programs include: Produce Prescription Program (Produce Rx), Children and Families Produce RX Program (CFPRx)
The Produce Rx Program allows medical professionals to prescribe fresh fruit and vegetables to patients experiencing diet-related chronic illnesses while providing additional support for patients living in poverty.
Common Good City Farm
- With an emphasis on producing food for community members, Common Good demonstrates intensive, small-scale sustainable urban agricultural practices and participates in all parts of the food system, including: food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. Common Good creates and models best practices that are replicable.
- Since January 2007, Common Good has provided over 10 tons of fresh produce to the community, engaged over 2,700 adults and 4,500 young people in educational programs, and hosted over 3,000 volunteers.
- They also do youth education, volunteering & tours!
Emily Frisan 
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