A Bit of our History

A comprehensive examination of Milwaukee's food system, the Food System Assessment Study, was started in 1997. 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. Additionally, 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 are corner convenience stores, with limited selection and less-than-nutritious offerings, sold at prices 29% higher than at larger suburban grocery outlets. Compounding this scarcity of healthy food options is the enduring presence of poverty and the lack of family-sustaining jobs and 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 Market stands were found to be a traditional, low investment way to make fresh food available, and to contribute to the economic vitality of the neighborhood.

For the past five years the Fondy Food Center has run the Fondy Farmers Market. Covering 38,000 square feet and open six days per week, it is the largest market in the Milwaukee area. Nutrition programs are in place to help local residents make the most of these healthier food options.

We would like to invite you to tour our market this coming season. Please contact Young Kim, Executive Director, to arrange a tour.