New Pop-Up Market Debuts
The Riverbend Market plans to offer affordable produce boxes beginning Thursday, Oct. 8
The Riverbend Market, 5300 4th Ave. S, plans a soft launch this Thursday, Oct. 8. It is a pilot program for a community grocery that will be primarily run by volunteers and the Georgetown Healthy Food Initiative. The space is shared by the PSLA Food Bank, which is open Mondays and Wednesdays.
“This all came out of the ‘want’” for a grocery store in Georgetown, project manager Lorine Moellentine said. “We are going to try and get some momentum and, three months from now, see where we are at.” With few year-round options for fresh produce or easy access to many groceries, the neighborhood is considered a food desert. (A farmer's market just completed a five-month run on Carleton Avenue S.)
Starting out, the market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays only. Days and hours will expand as volunteer capacity increases, Moellentine said.
The offerings at first will be seasonal produce boxes for $30 or $35. Customers will also be able to add extra produce plus some limited dry goods like rice and beans. Future offerings will be determined by customer feedback. A mystery bag will also be available through the TooGoodtoGo app.
In future weeks, organizers hope to have a food truck outside to encourage people to visit on their lunch break, Moellentine said. They also hope to offer other groceries and food options, such as microwavable meals. Accepting Fresh Bucks and SNAP benefits are also in the works.
The Riverbend Market’s fiscal sponsor is Watershed Community Development which is planning to build a large residential and commercial development called “The Bend” in the same area. If successful, the market could eventually move to a future building, Moellentine said.
To Order a Box: Fill out this form and the market will send a link to complete an order.
To Volunteer: Fill out the form above.
Questions: Email info@georgetownhealthyfood.org.
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