MJ, thanks for posting this article and using a picture of the Jacksonville Farmers Market to illustrate it. This is most appropriate since JFM hosts some 30 to 40 permanent and countless transient hard working (dawn to dusk, 7 days a week) local vendors and farmers employing over 100 people selling, in large part, local or regional produce and other agricultural products (employing so many more).
All of our vendors are family owned small businesses, many minority or women owned. Most of these thriving businesses were born at JFM proving that even in economically challenged areas we can create new businesses, give entrepreneurs a platform for success, and grow our local economy.
Best of all, all these local businesses compete extremely well against their national competition in offering greater selection, outstanding quality, and personal service, all at prices often up to 70+% below even Walmart or Costco.
Further, JFM is located in an area where no national retailers chose to operate any kind of business. In the case of JFM, it is literally an oasis in the midst of a food desert. Local responsiveness is why many JFM vendors have responded to requests to accept EBT, given that some 1 in 8 or more Duval County residents depend on EBT, even more in the under served area surrounding JFM.
As always, we appreciate the coverage on MJ!
