Paying a visit to the CitiParks Northside Farmers Market

By Macklin Monaghan | Staff Writer

From Fungi to the Pie Guy, there’s a vendor for everyone at the Northside Farmers Market.

Taking place in Allegheny Commons Park every Friday from 3-7 p.m. through Nov. 21, this event houses different local food, beverages and other types of vendors from around the greater Allegheny area.

Those attending the market can exchange money and SNAP benefits for tokens used to purchase goods at the market. While some vendors do accept cards, Market Manager James Longanecker said the usage of tokens is preferable as it saves vendors the hassle of tracking fees accrued from transactions.

According to Longanecker, “local” means attempting to stay within a radius of 100 miles in proximity in terms of attending vendors, while sourcing up to 150 miles away.

Longanecker explained that the farmers market has been around since the 1980s. To her, the importance of the farmers market lies in the fact that the money goes back to the community, and stays in the community, rather than outsourcing to corporate entities.

Further, she said that she enjoys the “diversity” at the market, with “many different vendors.”

“I see so many people making friends,” she said.

While strolling through the market, one might encounter TJ Jackson and his shop, Real Fungi, displaying countless types of culinary mushrooms. Jackson has been in this business for eight years now.

“A lot of grocery stores don’t even carry a lot of this stuff, and a lot of people don’t know about them,” he said. “I’m trying to introduce people, and we’ve developed a pretty solid following. I do both foraged and cultivated mushrooms.”

“I was the first person in the state licensed to sell wild mushrooms, as there was a requirement put in place during the Food Safety Modernization Act that said whoever sold wild mushrooms must be a recognized expert.”

In order to do so he had to lobby with the state due to the uniqueness of the business.

Jackson said the Farmers Market is vital to his business, as it comprises about half of the commerce he receives. His favorite part of the market is the difference in what’s considered fresh produce in grocery stores compared to that of the market.

Fungi isn’t the only fresh produce however. Farmers from surrounding areas bring various vegetables, fruits, and squash to the table. One farmer explained how important the farmers market is to his business.

“For us, this is our business,” he said. “Not just here, but between this and another market — this is my only line.”

There’s not just raw produce. From family bakeries and juice bars, to Kinder Being Cafe — an array of delicacies is present at the market as well.

A worker from Kinder Being Cafe explained how the cafe began last October, occupying the cafe space in The Government Center, a record store located at 715 East St. The importance of the Farmers Market to him is getting exposure for the business, as many people are still unaware of their presence. Kinder Being Cafe serves breakfast items, specials, and all sorts of coffee oriented drinks.

A passerby who goes by Robert explained how his favorite part of the Farmers Market is the people themselves “The people are nice you know, I buy my popcorn and chips” as well as adding that he looks forward to the deal he gets for the popcorn.

For Robert, the Farmers Market is a routine, showing up every week that he can. According to the City of Pittsburgh’s website, food stamps (SNAP) benefits are eligible for usage in all of the Farmers Markets affiliated with the Citiparks department.

“Shoppers with SNAP benefits can get fresh, nutritious and local-grown food, including produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds and honey,” the website reads.

However, this does not include alcoholic beverages, hot prepared foods, or non-food items.

Not only this, but there is a great bonus in doing so. For every dollar spent using SNAP benefits, another dollar is added to one’s balance for purchasing produce. This is due to each $5 spent being matched by $2, as well as the Just Harvest organization contributing another $3 due to a grant from the Food Justice Fund.

For more information, about the Northside Farmers Market, visit pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Events/Farmers-Markets