Friends of the Public Market
NEW in September 2024: Local artist-designed shopping bags benefit the Market Token Program for SNAP recipients
On September 10, Mayor Evans unveiled two beautiful new Public Market shoppingbags, designed by local artists. Proceeds from these $6 bags will support the Market Token Program, through which SNAP ("food stamp") recipients can use their benefits to get fresh, healthy, affordable food year-round at the Market. Get your bags in the indoor "B" Shed on regular Market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)! Now, read on about the Friends...
Making the Market More
Friends of the Rochester Public Market is a diverse, almost entirely volunteer non-profit organization that supports the Market in many important ways.
The Friends signature program is the Market Token Program, through which SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or "food stamp") recipients can use their benefits to purchase fresh, healthy food from the Market. This program has been the most successful of its kind in the country for many years. In 2022, over $1.3 million in SNAP benefits were redeemed at the Public Market.
Friends of the Public Market's Initiatives and Programs
The Market Token Program: Allows those with SNAP "food stamp" benefits the opportunity to easily use their benefits to shop for affordable, fresh, healthy fruits, vegetables, and more at the Market. The Market Token Center is open on regular Market days year-round-- it is the small white boxcar-like building behind the Market Office building (the brick house).
Artist Row: The Friends organize the increasingly popular Artist Row at the Market show and sale each September, at which almost 200 local artists display their creative talents.
Market-Branded Merchandise: The Friends sell an array of Market-branded Merchandise, available on spring/summer/fall Saturdays from the red tent near the Union Street gateway arch, or from the Market Token Center behind the Market Office. Proceeds from this merchandise goes to support the Friends' Market Token Program and other initiatives and programs. See our Market Merchandise page
Market Gift Tokens: A great gift any time of year for the Market lovers in your life! Gift Tokens can be purchased from the Market Token Center, behind the Market Office, on regular Market days year-round. See our Market Gift Token page
Market Tours: Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the Market's past, present and future on a free one-hour tour. We especially welcome youth groups for tours, but surely are willing to give any group a glimpse of the history and workings of the Market! Click here to learn more about the tours and to contact Friends of the Market for tour options.
Volunteer with the Friends
The Friends are always seeking volunteers! Getting involved with the Friends is a terrific way to get more immersed into the life of the Market. See their website at www.marketfriends.org , give them a call at 585-428-7292, or email them at Marketfriends@marketfriends.org You can also stop by the Friends' red tent "welcome center" at the Market on spring, summer, and fall Saturdays (near the Union Street entry).