31 October marks the World Cities Day. With more of the planet moving to urban areas, there is much to consider. How will families live in comfort and dignity? From where will they eat, if fewer and fewer remain in rural areas? Considering the hard edges of cities — with more and more pressure for affordable housing, what can be done to create softer cities? One of the brightest innovations is the revival of farmers markets. Capable of animating dead spaces, or creatively utilizing streets, parks, or parking areas during limited yet set hours, farmers markets are emerging as useful tools to bring both commerce and community to city centers and underserved corners of town. The success of farmers markets can be found in the ideas and energy behind their formation: mission, rules, regulations, and the management capacity to erect these temporary “town squares” with tents, umbrellas, and the freshest of local agri-food placed on display by and sold directly to consumers by farmers. Importantly, these public spaces provide consumers with access to fresh food, and farmers with access to a diversity of consumers. Together, these two groups animate space with community, and with opportunities for learning. The learning works at several levels: nutritional, business, environmental, and ultimately, civic. On this day, the historic and vibrant city of Alexandria has one more feather in its cap: A new farmers market. Organized by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce together with the MAMi Farmers Market Project and its strategic support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new Alexandria Farmers Market offers a new opportunity for consumers to gain direct access to the freshest of local foods from nearby farmers that rarely make it to town. Situated right in the heart of the city at Saad Zaghloul Park, the new Farmers Market operates every Saturday. It is free and open to the public.
To learn more about World Cities Day visit: www.un.org/cities-day
Written by Richard McCarthy – President of WorldFMC