Farmers market season is here, and Denver is adding something special: the Harvey Park Farmers Market. It opens on Saturday, May 2, at Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy. This market is unique—it will focus only on food, avoiding artisan crafts, and is set in southwest Denver.
This area currently has no farmers markets, despite nearly 20 in the metro region. The southwest neighborhoods often struggle with access to affordable, healthy food. Some areas in Harvey Park are over a mile away from the nearest grocery store. This lack of access has led to the designation of certain neighborhoods as “food deserts.”
Local organizations, like Re:Vision and Commún, are stepping up to fill the food gaps in these communities. Their programs aim to provide groceries and distribute food, making it easier for residents to eat well.
Community advocate Allie Bronston has been working hard with her husband, Corey Sampson, to bring this market to life. She hopes it will help neighbors find fresh groceries. However, there are concerns. Farmers markets can sometimes be indicators of gentrification. As prices rise, wealthier crowds may be drawn in, making it hard for longtime residents to afford these goods.
Data shows that this trend is occurring in many cities. For example, a recent study highlighted how farmers markets can elevate property values, making neighborhoods more desirable while displacing lower-income families. This is a concern for Harvey Park, which has seen shifts in its racial demographics over the past 15 years.
Marisol Jurado, co-owner of Migas Coffee and a vendor at the market, has her reservations. Growing up in southwest Denver, she remembers the area’s deeply rooted Latino community. She hopes that the market will reflect that diversity and provide access for everyone.
Bronston recognizes the need to make the market welcoming for all. She’s aware that some may feel excluded due to higher prices or a lack of family-friendly spaces. To address this, she has designed the market with a focus on community inclusivity.
It’s crucial to monitor how this market evolves. Will it truly serve the community or draw in a different crowd? Observing who shows up on opening day will provide answers. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance food access for all, and foster a sense of unity in Harvey Park.
For more information on community-based food initiatives, visit Re:Vision.
