Thanks to the support of our food growers, market patrons, market vendors, and the schools hosting food gardens, OKT had another good year of growing and sharing fresh, local, healthy fruits, vegetables and herbs. As food prices rise, “growing your own” is an even more powerful way to feed our families and create an alternate to a broken food system that is focused on profits not health.

Southeast Area Farmers Market marked 20 years

In addition to Ms. Yvonne (right), who has been with the market all 20 years, 2024 saw Moore’s Family Garden and Farm vending fresh produce grown in Muskegon. The Grand Rapids Food Coop and UMCH Fresh Market also brought fresh fruits and veggies every week. However, everyone’s favorite vendor was Jazae (above), a ten-year-old grower who is saving up for medical school, with help from her granny.

In 2024, OKT maintained food gardens at Glenwood Elementary School in Kentwood and Campus Elementary School in Grand Rapids. 

With direction from OKT peer garden coach Belinda Henderson, families who chose to were provided with organic food plants, soil, containers or raised beds, and coaching so they could grow their own food at home. All food plants were grown by Blandford Farm.

OKT wishes you and yours a happy, healthy, full-of-good-food 2025!