Impact
Farmers market to alleviate food access barriers
The Lealman Exchange, a community center located at 5175 45th St. N., is set to become the home of a new farmers market starting in October.
The Lealman Farmers Market will operate on the fourth Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing residents with regular access to fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey and more. More than a dozen vendors have already signed up, with spots available for up to 35 vendors in total.
This initiative aims to address the community’s lack of fresh food options and create stronger connections between residents and local Florida farmers.
Lealman, like many urban areas, has faced challenges in providing its residents with easy access to fresh, nutritious food options. Local officials have spent time and money to uplift the community, a food desert due to its lack of a single grocer. The introduction of the new farmers market is a strategic move to combat this issue by bringing local farmers and food producers directly to residents.
“Bringing a food market that offers fresh produce and healthy food options to the Lealman community is a vital step in promoting the well-being of its residents,” said Tom Almonte, Pinellas County Assistant County Administrator. “This initiative ensures that all residents, regardless of income, have the opportunity to make healthier food choices, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient community.”
The choice of the Lealman Exchange as the venue for the farmers market is significant. The community center, operated as a public/private partnership between Pinellas County and the St. Petersburg Foundation, already serves as a hub for various community services and events.
“Beyond addressing food access, our goal is for the Lealman Farmers Market to serve as a community gathering space,” said Joe Hamilton, cofounder of the St. Petersburg Foundation. “When people convene in a positive environment, they build relationships that help create a more aligned and resilient community, which makes life better.”
Market organizers are still seeking local farmers, artisans and food producers. More information about the Lealman Farmers Market, including upcoming dates and a vendor sign-up form, is available online here.
.
The St. Petersburg Foundation (SPF) is the philanthropic arm of the St. Petersburg Group (SPG), which owns the St. Pete Catalyst.
.
.
S. Rose Smith-Hayes
September 4, 2024at1:35 pm
There is a Farmer’s Market in Tampa, Fl. If they can have one, one can be in Lealman. This is a little like the idea Positive Impact had for Tangerine Plaza. The City of St Pete decided to give a chance to a group that does not even have funds. Oh Well…God bless the idea at Lealman.
SB
August 30, 2024at8:04 am
I just looked it up on Google maps. All you have to do is search groceries and Lealman.
There are plenty of stores that sell groceries. All you have to do is scroll up and down the list that is magically created.
Go on Google maps and check for yourself. Don’t take my word for it.
These are local businesses selling groceries, staffed by local people.
SB
August 30, 2024at7:56 am
Locally sourced, fruits and vegetables?
Granted, I’ve only lived here three years. But I don’t see too many farms, orchards, and the like within many, many miles of Lealman.
Wait… I mean, I’ve seen none of those things here.
So whatever has to come here is trucked from somewhere else. Which is completely fine and the normal thing to do.
Does it really matter whether it’s trucked from Plant city versus Georgia versus Virginia versus Kansas?
Locally sourced is so meaningless and jingoistic that thinking people should wince whenever they read or hear it.
there’s no shortage of fresh produce anywhere in this area. Never has been. it’s ubiquitous.
And for smart people, frozen produce is even more common and healthier for a variety of reasons. don’t take my word for it. Google it.
For people on a budget… From artificial intelligence
Here are ten reasons why frozen produce can be better for people on a budget:
### 1. **Cost-Effective**
– **Lower Prices:** Frozen fruits and vegetables are often less expensive than their fresh counterparts, especially when out of season. You can purchase them in bulk without worrying about spoilage, which maximizes savings.
### 2. **Long Shelf Life**
– **Reduced Waste:** Frozen produce lasts much longer than fresh produce, reducing the likelihood of food spoiling before it can be used. This means you waste less food and money.
### 3. **Nutritional Value**
– **Just as Nutritious:** Frozen fruits and vegetables are typically flash-frozen at their peak ripeness, locking in nutrients. This makes them just as nutritious, if not more so, than fresh produce that might have been transported over long distances and sat on store shelves.
### 4. **Convenience**
– **Ready to Use:** Frozen produce is pre-washed, pre-cut, and ready to cook, saving time in meal preparation. This is particularly helpful for those who might otherwise opt for more expensive convenience foods.
### 5. **Seasonal Availability**
– **Year-Round Access:** With frozen produce, you have access to fruits and vegetables year-round, regardless of the growing season. This allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without paying a premium during off-seasons.
### 6. **Bulk Buying**
– **Economical Storage:** Buying in bulk is easier with frozen produce, as you can store large quantities without worrying about spoilage, making it easier to take advantage of sales and discounts.
### 7. **Reduced Preparation Costs**
– **Minimal Prep Required:** Since frozen produce often comes pre-cut and cleaned, you save on preparation costs, including the purchase of additional tools or ingredients needed to prep fresh produce.
### 8. **Portion Control**
– **Easy to Portion:** Frozen produce can be easily portioned out for meals, helping to control food costs and avoid overeating. This can be especially beneficial for meal planning and sticking to a budget.
### 9. **Less Impulse Buying**
– **Focused Shopping:** When shopping for frozen produce, you’re less likely to be tempted by expensive, out-of-season fresh fruits and vegetables. This can help reduce impulse purchases that can strain a budget.
### 10. **Versatility in Cooking**
– **Multi-Use:** Frozen produce can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to smoothies and casseroles, providing flexibility in meal planning. This versatility helps stretch your grocery budget further, as the same ingredients can be used in multiple meals.
By choosing frozen produce, budget-conscious shoppers can enjoy nutritious, convenient, and versatile food options that last longer and reduce overall food costs.
SB
August 30, 2024at7:49 am
A food desert?
From artificial intelligence…
Lealman is an unincorporated community located in Pinellas County, within the peninsula of St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s a suburban area with a mix of residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and light industrial zones. Lealman is known for its diverse population and a range of housing options, from single-family homes to mobile home parks.
### Population
As of the most recent estimates, Lealman has a population of approximately 20,000 to 23,000 residents. The area has seen some growth and development over the years, but it remains primarily a working-class community.
### Grocery and Food Stores
Lealman has a variety of grocery stores, convenience stores, and food outlets. The exact number can vary, but here are some general figures:
– **Grocery Stores:** There are a few major grocery stores in and around Lealman, including chains like Walmart Neighborhood Market and Aldi, which serve the local population. There are also several smaller independent grocery stores and ethnic markets that cater to specific communities within the area.
– **Convenience Stores and Food Outlets:** Numerous convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and local independent shops are scattered throughout Lealman. These stores often sell a mix of groceries, snacks, and other essentials.
– **Specialty Food Stores:** The area includes a few specialty food stores that offer organic products, ethnic foods, and other unique items.
In total, there are likely between 15 to 25 different establishments where residents can purchase food, including full grocery stores, smaller markets, and convenience stores. The availability of stores is fairly typical for a suburban area of its size in Florida.