A Bit of our History

A comprehensive examination of Milwaukee's food system, the Food System Assessment Study, was started in 1997 by the Hunger Task Force. It focused on food availability in the most economically distressed areas of Milwaukee -- census tracts with populations living at 40% or more of poverty level. Beyond examining concentrations of low income households by neighborhood, the study also examined the location of emergency, supplemental, and non-emergency food programs in the area. The researchers also checked the distribution of retail food outlets, as well as the pricing, availability, and quality of 50 food items that comprised a "market basket" of grocery items.

The study found only a handful of supermarkets in central city Milwaukee. Far more prevalent were corner convenience stores, with limited selection and less-than-nutritious offerings, sold at prices 24% higher than at larger suburban grocery outlets.  The study also found that the scarcity of healthier food options was compounded by the lack of reliable transportation and shortage of family-sustaining economic opportunities in the area.

The Fondy Food Center was created as a long term response to this lack of access to healthy food and jobs. Farmers markets are a traditional, low-investment way to make fresh food available, and to contribute to the economic and social vitality of the neighborhood.

Since 2000 the Fondy Food Center has run the Fondy Farmers Market, a vibrant and trusted resource that has served the community for over 30 years.  Covering 38,000 square feet and open four days per week during the market season, it is the largest farmers market in the Milwaukee area. The market serves as the springboard for the agency's nutrition programs, which are designed to help local residents make the most of these healthier food options.  The Fondy Farmers Market is also a local economic engine.  Almost all of the farmer and vendors live in the City of Milwaukee, and money spent there stays in the community.  

For a tour of the market, please contact Young Kim (Executive Director, ).