Food desert to farmers market: New Greater Gardenside location makes summer debut

Greater Gardenside’s newest farmers market location used to be categorized as a food desert.

Not anymore.

Over the past few years, there has been a resurgence in the Alexandria/Lane Allen corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods, said Ron Griffee, Gardenside Plaza property manager.

Greater Gardenside is a local nonprofit focused on rejuvenating this part of Lexington. According to their mission statement, their purpose is to “identify, enhance and promote diverse features of the area and its people” through community events.

“I think one of the greatest ways that people can go about embracing other cultures is really through food,” Greater Gardenside staff member Spencer Brennen said. “The farmers market provides an opportunity to see a lot of the things you might not see on a normal basis—to expand your repertoire and be able to connect.”

Wednesday’s farmers market at Gardenside Plaza was the first in a weekly summer series ending in late August. Approximately 10 to 12 vendors will be set up each week from 4 to 7 p.m. at 1729 Alexandria Drive.

Their booths will be stocked with a variety of fresh produce, from potatoes to peaches to tomatoes.

“I think a lot of people would rather buy locally. They know where it came from and it supports the local farmers,” Griffee said. “This is just another thing that helps (the neighborhood) out.”

Griffee said that he is glad to put the never-full parking lot of Gardensize Plaza to good use, and hopes the weekly farmers market will increase foot traffic throughout the shopping center.

While the windiness and rainy forecast discouraged vendors and customers Wednesday, Brennen said he expects a higher volume of customers as more people learn about the new farmers market location.

Brennen added that the organization is taking many precautions in light of COVID-19, including setting up handwashing stations, providing free masks and maintaining a focus on social distancing during the event.

“The farmers market is generally a very social gathering and environment and we just want to make sure that people remember that even though it is a bit of a place to have fun and hang out, we also still have those distances to keep it safe for vendors and customers alike,” he said.