Editor’s note: Last year the Indiana Department of Health discontinued a $800,000 partnership with the People’s Cooperative Market over concerns that the market mismanaged federal funds intended to aid socially disadvantaged farmers, The Herald Times reported in February. Leaders for PCM did not respond to request for comment on allegations of mismanagement by time of publication.
The First United Church bustled with activity Saturday afternoon as Bloomington residents perused various vendors at the Spring Sprout Food Systems Series market. The four-day series, held by the People’s Cooperative Market, featured a multitude of events, including a potluck , film screening, market and greenhouse dedication.
At the market, local vendors sold food, pottery, plants, produce and more.
Owner of Sky and Earth Studio Rhonda Newsome displayed her creations Saturday, which included handmade cups and ceramic skulls. Newsome, who has been selling her pottery for four years, said that while she isn’t a Bloomington resident, the community found there was unlike any other.
“I actually live in Richmond, Indiana, but I drive to Bloomington because I like it so much,” Newsome said. “It’s one of my favorite markets; the mission, the people here, everything. I drive two hours to come.”
Across from Newsome’s pottery vendor was physical therapist Alison Van Doren, who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy.
“I’m just here with some DIY pain relief, self-care, tips and tricks and examples of things people can use if they have pain,” Van Doren said. “Kind of just getting the word out about simple things you can do to help your body heal from pain.”
Outside the church, a small crowd gathered in the 30-by-90 foot high tunnel greenhouse for a soil blocking workshop, where an instructor with muddy gloves and a green watering can invited volunteers to help plant vegetable seeds. With the addition of the greenhouse, the PCM is the only year-round community garden spot with plots for families to grow food, according to their flyer.
IU students Himiko Ogawa and Nanichi Signore-Flores began interning at the PCM at the start of the spring semester. Ogawa and Signore-Flores managed a booth selling fresh produce, eggs and jam. They also gave an informational presentation about food systems and food justice at the potluck Thursday, which kicked off the four-day Food Series.
Signore-Flores said coming to PCM events is a way for the community to support the PCM. Every Saturday, the PCM hosts a farmers’ market with free breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Church.
“It’s a nice community thing; we all kind of sit around and talk,” Signore-Flores said, explaining that everyone from graduate students to families to House of Representative members attend the Saturday morning markets. “It’s very diverse and very representative.”
The PCM focuses on food justice and advocates for equitable access to locally grown food by supporting low-income communities and supporting marginalized farmers and businesses, according to their website. The market sells Community Supported Agriculture boxes: packages of local vegetables and eggs from local and regional farmers at an affordable price.
One in seven people in Indiana are struggling with food insecurity and hunger. Ogawa offered her advice to those handling food insecurity and emphasized the importance of utilizing available resources in order to combat this issue.
“You don’t have to feel ashamed; it’s not a shame. It’s actually a shame on a lot of our economy and just the way that we are that you would be ashamed to feed yourself,” Ogawa said. “There are resources you can take advantage of, and you should, because they’re there for you.”
Signore-Flores agreed.
“Don’t be afraid to tap into your resources,” Signore-Flores said. “People’s Market is here, so many other organizations are here. Whether you’re an IU student or a community member, I would say that there’s people here that can help you. Don’t feel ashamed.”
