Our New Market
Marion Barry Avenue Market
We don't believe in food deserts, because deserts are naturally occurring ecosystems. There is nothing natural about how the access to food has evolved. Dreaming Out Loud has been building a new marketplace to combat food apartheid in Ward 8. This market will provide a place to buy locally sourced food East of the River as well as a hub for community engagement and building connections. Read on to learn more about what this space will be and how you can support us as we prepare to open the doors!
Why This Space Matters
- Ward 8 only has access to one major grocery store right now. The health data shows us that the community's life expectancy is the lowest in Washington, D.C.
- Health starts with food, but grows through community.
- This space will have a demo kitchen to support nutrition education and cooking classes.
- Marion Barry Avenue Market will also have a cafe that allows you to sit down with friends and community members over a plate of food.
- We will be hosting events and partnering with leaders in the community to lift up the needs, voices, and history of this vibrant pillar of Washington, D.C.
- Local economies deserve investment.
- The Marion Barry Avenue Market will primarily hire from within Ward 8. Access to good wages and consistent employment has a direct impact on a community's access to food!
- We commit to lifting up local farmers and food producers in our procurement process so you know exactly what you're buying when you enter our market.
- We are building partnerships with entities throughout the community to make sure that everyone who is working on behalf of families East of the River will be able to use this space!
