Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market

The Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market (NEFM), notably the first community-based farmers markets in the city, is a non-profit organization that was started in 2000 as a gathering place to raise funds and community support for the Eastside Food Co-op (EFC). The market was designed to be a way for the co-op to help build relationships with growers, meat producers, and neighborhood associations and organizations.

When EFC opened its storefront in 2003, the NEFM became its own entity and was supported by the neighborhood and local businesses. Being the closest market for many northern suburbs, the NEFM was able to provide a broad range of services to the community including massage, chiropractic advice, bicycle repair, and a variety of arts and crafts vendors. With an increase of marketing and sponsorship efforts, our vendor count has increased, our revenue tripled, and our weekly attendance increased to 1,200-1,500 a week in 2012. We have added food trucks to our roster of vendors, along with providing a weekly space for local non-profit organizations, children’s activities, and live music. Five annual fundraising events have flourished throughout the years, making the NEFM a place for our guests to celebrate the summer and fall seasons and the community spirit of the market.

The NEFM seeks to reflect the neighborhood in which we are located and make quality food and experiences available to people of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic positions. Along with a focus on sustainability and building a zero waste environment, the NEFM is dedicated to bringing local and organic food choices into the community and will continue to be a vibrant piece of Northeast Minneapolis.

In the past three years, NEFM was named by City Pages as one of the top ten farmers markets in the Twin Cities, top five by Minnesota Monthly, and one of the best farmers markets in America by The Daily Meal.