After receiving a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Countryside is launching the first phase of Akron’s very own Public Food Market in Downtown’s Northside District with an opening day set for October 28.
The organization transformed Northside Loft’s former parking garage into a fun, indoor, food-centric space for everyone to enjoy the flavor of Ohio’s local food offerings. Countryside Public Market, located at 21 Furnace St,, #300, will provide more than 40 small businesses economic opportunity and direct consumer access. In addition, the market will provide food assistance programing for families and individuals, giving everyone access to fresh, healthy, local food.
The project is scheduled to evolve in phases over the next 18 months, with the grand opening of the first phase on Sunday, October 28. Every Sunday morning, Countryside will bring the best local farmers and food producers to the Northside District from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The space also will host regular food experiences including tastings, farm-to-table dinners, food entrepreneur education, CSA pick-ups, and more. In the future, the market will be open multiple days per week offering fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, candies, cheese, dairy, flowers, herbs, jams, sauces, locally crafted beverages, handmade kitchenware, morning brunch, and a smattering of local artisans’ works.
