Today we’d like to introduce you to Mo Hanson.
Hi Mo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Midtown Farmers Market has been active since 2003, started with the help and care of many community stakeholders and volunteers. They created a space for food access, and community joy. In 2006/07 we transitioned to being a non profit, since then we have pushed through recessions, droughts, the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent uprising. Through all of these events we have become to the market we are today, a space for joy, food access, play, connection, and togetherness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have pushed through the 2008 recession, multiple drought years, the pandemic, the Murder of Mr. Floyd, limited funding, and much more. This work is challenging even during years where there weren’t as many bumps in the road. In recent years we underwent a huge reconstruction of the market space and now have market plaza which was created with our market in mind to hold our community of patrons and vendors safely and accessibly. The movement involved in construction and changing locations during construction proved an additional challenge in reactivating a space that is new to our neighbors despite us holding the market in that space since 2003.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Corcoran Neighborhood Organization?
The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization has been in operation since 1979, we became a non profit in the early 00’s and have been focused on community building ever since. We have focused on bringing accessible food options and resources to our neighbors since our inception. We are known for the Midtown Farmers Market est. 2003, we are the first farmers market in MN to accept EBT, and proudly started the trend back in 2006. We proudly provide lower cost fresh food options, live music, games, free books, free seeds, and free snacks and water weekly to our neighbors. What sets us apart from other organizations is who we serve, we serve an extremely diverse community of people who at large have lived in the area for many years and have experienced the traumas we share alongside us. Our neighbors show up for each other in a revolutionary way and are committed to keeping their local foodshed safe and accessible. We want readers to know that we are a fun, accessible, safe space for all, and we lift up all of our neighbors in communal joy regardless of their circumstances. The Midtown Farmers Market is open May-October on Saturdays 9am-2pm, vendor applications are open from January 1st-February 1st, and our community table application is open all season, see you at the market!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Our advice for those just starting out is to commit to the work, all of the trials a tribulations will pay off! Making a Farmers market happen takes a lot of hands, time, and physical effort, keep at it and it will all fall into place. Get as many volunteers as you can, and focus on providing safe and relevant options for your community.
One thing I wish I knew upon starting this work is that change is an inevitable part of this work; laws change, grant processes change, staff changes, vendors will change, but keeping the space going year after year is the final goal. Always commit to the work until you can’t anymore. We ARE making a difference in our communities even when everything feels impossible.
Pricing:
- Application fee: $30
- Vending per day: $40
- Electrical access: $5/day
- Community tables: $40/day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corcoranmpls.org
- Instagram: @midtownfarmmkt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidtownFarmersMarket/
