Despite the turbulent rainstorms and high temperatures, ASIA's HAPI Fresh Farmer's Market hit record attendance this summer.  

Hundreds of community members visit us each Wednesday to shop for homegrown and culturally specific produce using SNAP/EBT, senior vouchers, WIC vouchers, and Produce Perks.  

We were so excited for Summit County WIC and Produce Perks Midwest to join us on Wednesday, August 7th to distribute vouchers, which community members can use to participate in farmer's markets like HAPI Fresh so that finance is not a barrier to healthy, balanced eating.  

Here are some of our favorite photos of that day: 

Before the market officially started, the lines for WIC vouchers, SNAP/EBT, and Produce Perk vouchers stretched from the center of the market all the way to the entrance gate. Community members arrived early so they could get closer to the front of the line. That day, nearly 1,000 individuals visited the market. 

Market vendors pose with their array of produce, including water spinach, long beans, pumpkin leaves, and bitter melon. 

A representative of ASIA's affiliate, Jin Huo Community, instructs Nepali-language community member on receiving senior vouchers for their elderly parents, which can be used to buy produce at the market. 

Community members play with children at the market. HAPI Fresh is highly popular among families with young children.

A community member poses with her infant who snacks on a nectarine purchased from one of the market's vendors. 

A Nepalese-speaking community member cooks free samples of Nepali cuisine as part of ASIA's Behavioral Health cooking demo sessions that uses fresh ingredients from the market to share multicultural dishes with visitors. 

Vendors display bountiful fresh vegetables to sell to community members including ASIA’s staff members. 

Community members from the Nepalese-speaking community catch up and compare purchases at the market. Many families use HAPI Fresh as their main source of produce for their week’s grocery.  

A group of children play at the children’s corner, a volunteer-run tent for kids to color and play with board games while their parents socialize and shop.  

A Burmese family of seven poses with their purchased vegetables. The market serves many ethnicities including Afghan, Congolese, Rohingya, Burmese, Mon, Hispanic, Indian, Chinese, among others.  

“They like the fresh vegetables and also the gathering, and they like being in the fresh air. Everything’s fresh, they like. And lot of people they meet here together, their friends.” - JHC Staff member interpreting for the three women seated.

“He just enjoys going around and seeing the view as well.” -Young woman in middle interpreting for gentleman to the right

“It’s cheap, it’s fresh produce, and also you know that the people who are selling are making a profit.’ -Thet, Apex Fund for Economic Opportunity, right

“We are helping the low-income families as well. HAPI Fresh is one of the farmer’s markets in Summit County that accepts all the vouchers. Not only rich people can afford organic food. That is what we like to see. So, it’s different from people who travel and walk around shopping in the grocery store. When we’re working with them and communicate with them, they really feel more comfortable, and their personalities you can really see that, not because they have two faces but the thing is when you try to communicate with [someone outside your culture] it’s one thing, but when you communicate with someone within your culture, you feel more natural and relaxed.” -Susan, ASIA Chief Program Officer, left

“I would say being able to engage with community members, see them out here supporting the local vendors. I like seeing people, they get to buy their produce and groceries here.” -Community member, left

“I would say being able to engage with community members, see them out here supporting the local vendors. I like seeing people, they get to buy their produce and groceries here.” -Community member, Summa Health

“I enjoy talking to people, meeting new friends and a lot of new faces. It’s nice here, the space, quiet, I love it.” -Miguel, Quiroz Family Farms

“I’m so happy because everybody likes [my cooking]! This is my first time, and I enjoy it with the people. I feel so blessed. Thank you for the opportunity!” -Community member, demo cook

“I love that we are giving more money back to the community. I like the camaraderie and the diversity of the communities here...It has grown more diverse over the years.” -Summit County WIC representative

"It was great. I wish we had more to give...we brought 100 and we ran out! It’s gorgeous. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before. I would love to know more about the history. It’s really beautiful!” - Produce Perks Midwest representative

 

Learn more about ASIA's HAPI Fresh Farmer's Market and ASIA's Sustainability Services department here.

Contact Malissa Xiong to get involved with HAPI Fresh as a vendor or table.

Contact Kelly Le for volunteer opportunities.