Written by Danielle Tietjen
Our very own Northside food oasis is on the corner of 42nd and Humboldt. North Market is celebrating their five-year anniversary this year, and we are here for all of it. Especially after that lot sat empty for almost 15 years when the old Kowlaski’s closed. More than just a grocery store, North Market serves as a community hub of information, food, exercise, resources and connections. Why do we love North Market? Let me count the ways: The Hydroponic Farm, the workout classes, the vaccine clinics, the deli, Wendy’s House of Soul and Food, and let’s not forget Half Off Produce Wednesdays!
One of my absolute favorite things to do on a Wednesday is head over to North Market for 50 percent off produce day. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to load up my cart with fresh fruit, veggies, and even their certain brand of eggs and pre-packaged meal kits. When I am at the checkout counter, and after everything is wrung up, they apply the discount, and seeing that number drop fills me with satisfaction every time.
Affording groceries feels harder and harder these days with the cost of everything rising. What a gift we have on the Northside with North Market’s commitment to offer 50 percent off produce on Wednesdays. Especially if you have teenagers (I have three) who I can’t seem to keep full. Feeding them healthy meals and snacks feels almost impossible without North Market.
Living in a household with dietary restrictions, having North Market offer gluten-free and dairy-free items is a treasure. While I might not be able to get every item on my shopping list, I can sure hit all the highlights. The bonus of shopping at our neighborhood grocery store is being able to visit the familiar friendly faces every week. It turns a shopping trip into a social visit. A way to catch up with friends and neighbors. To strengthen the community and build those ties that create that special network of neighborhood safety.
A social enterprise of the non-profit Pillsbury United Communities (PUC), North Market prioritizes a neighborhood hub that offers more than just groceries to the community.
Have you noticed the hydroponic farm?
Pillsbury United Communities’ Freight Farm, located in the parking lot of North Market, is a hydroponic farm with a dual purpose of production and education. Produce is grown for the community in two ways; salad greens and herbs are available for purchase at North Market, while additional food is incorporated into our Community Cafe, or free prepared meals, at our Oak Park Community Center. In addition to production, the farm operates as a core component of PUC’s paid food systems youth internships onsite at North Market. This hands-on growing experience, paired with additional internship components of cooking and food justice concepts, creates space for young people to engage, create, connect and critique our food system.
Another gift from North Market is Wendy’s House of Soul and Food. If you haven’t grabbed lunch there or hired her to cater your next event, please don’t deny yourself any longer. Her soul rolls are worth every penny. Make sure you stop in to say hi to her, support her business, and impress all your guests at your next party by hiring her. You won’t regret it.
While North Memorial is no longer housed inside the Market, there is a priority to include workout classes with Coach Val, Alzheimer clinics, flu and vaccine clinics with gift cards, and more. Their community space is available for all varieties of events (personal and professional) that you can rent.
It feels refreshing to know that community is the foundation they have built their business on and see the fruit of that work in action.
When I think about the businesses available on the Northside (or the possibilities of businesses we want and ones we haven’t even imagined yet) I know I am committed to supporting what is here now in order to draw in what is to come. The idea of a walkable neighborhood that allows for a deeper connection to the land and to each other is a dream I will support with my money and time.
So shop local! The market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about what is available at North Market, you can check out their website at mynorthmarket.org, or follow My North Market on Instagram and Facebook.
Other social enterprises of Pillsbury United: Breaking Ice, Office of Public Charter Schools, Fully Cycle Bike Shop, KSRM Radio, NorthNews, Pillsbury House Theatre and Sisterhood Boutique.