07/29/2019
Rep. Antonio Parkinson and Mayor Strickland to Announce Plans for Raleigh Farmers Market
Fast Facts:
• Located at the intersection of Austin-Peay Highway and Jones Road (site of the former Serra Chevrolet dealership)
• Market will provide access to fresh, healthy foods, nutritional education, local economic support and community pride
• Partners include Raleigh CDC, Slow Foods Memphis and Raleigh community stakeholders
MEMPHIS, TENN, – July 29, 2019: Representative Antonio Parkinson, in partnership with the Raleigh CDC and the City of Memphis, announces the new site of the Raleigh Farmers Market.
Today, Mayor Jim Strickland and State Representative Antonio Parkinson announced plans and the new site of the future Raleigh Farmers Market and Community Park. The mission of the Raleigh Farmers Market is to establish and operate a community-supported vehicle that provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables, education around healthy food choices and lifestyles, while inspiring pride in the Raleigh community.
Inspired by the viability of the Nashville Farmers Market, six years ago State Representative Antonio Parkinson began to pull the pieces of the puzzle together to bring the idea of a Raleigh market together. The land previously held by Tennessee Department of Transportation was originally being used for storage of equipment to complete the Raleigh Millington Bridge. After completion, TDOT began to kick around the idea of using the property for salt storage for treatment of roads during winter icing. Following conversations between Representative Parkinson’s office and TDOT in Nashville both entities agreed that the farmers market idea was a better use for the Austin Peay business corridor and a needed amenity for the community. The Raleigh Farmers Market and Community Park will meet the area needs for fresh food and provide an inviting, family-oriented venue through which local residents can develop a deeper understanding of the importance of healthy lifestyles.
“Projects like this are exactly the type of redevelopment we want to see,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “With the help of Rep. Parkinson, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and our Division of Housing and Community Development, we’re working with community groups to reimagine old structures and give them new life.”
“People need access to healthy foods. Our people lead the list when it comes to cases of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. This farmers market will help us combat those diseases while providing a community gathering place and an economic catalyst for future developments,” says State Representative Antonio Parkinson.
Community partners include Raleigh Community Development Corporation, the City of Memphis, Methodist North Hospital, Slow Foods Memphis, the University of Memphis, and the Shelby County Government.
Next steps include raising money for planning and construction. The first phase of construction will be the Farmers Market pavilion. The site features will eventually include a little league football field, a walking track, and an amphitheatre.
For information, please call 901-209-5010.
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State Representative Antonio Parkinson represents Tennessee's 98th Legislative District which covers the Raleigh, North Memphis and parts of Bartlett and Berclair communities.
