Share the Bounty of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market opens on Sunday, May 11 at 10 am (note the new hours: 10am to 3pm). We’re counting the days until we can buy colorful bouquets of flowers for Mothers Day, and bunches of asparagus to accompany fresh fish for a special spring dinner.

Many of us take this amazing resource for granted, but for others, farm fresh food seems an impossible luxury. As sponsors of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Friends of Third Place Commons is committed to increasing the accessibility of nutritious, local food for everyone in the community.

In 2008, Friends received a venture grant from United Way of King County to develop and test a new food assistance program at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. After a successful pilot phase, Friends was awarded two more United Way grants, and has helped put over $40,000 worth of healthy food on the plates of our neighbors in need.

Market Bucks are $2 coupons that are used to buy food directly from the farmers at the market. They are not distributed at the market, but through partner agencies such as the Shoreline School District, Hopelink, Center for Human Services, and the Shoreline / Lake Forest Park Senior Center. 

Market Bucks recipients are already screened, and each agency is aware of their needs and of their ability to travel to the market.

The Market Bucks program emphasizes good nutrition and healthy food while it increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables for people who are struggling to feed themselves and their families. And you have a chance to share the bounty of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market on Tuesday, May 6 GiveBIG challenge.

Every donation made through the Seattle Foundation’s site will be STRETCHED, increasing your ability to help alleviate hunger in the north end of King County. 

GiveBIG is an opportunity to help your hungry neighbors on Tuesday, May 6 

*Make your donation at Seattle Foundation. Go to their GiveBIG page and look for Friends of Third Place Commons. The Seattle Foundation will “stretch” all donations up to $5,000 per donor, per organization. When you donate through GiveBIG, the impact of your gift is increased. Every dollar will put more fresh food on the plates of our hungry neighbors.