RVA Growers Market – Cultivating Community and Freshness in Richmond

In a city bursting with creativity and a deep love for local culture, the Richmond Growers Market has carved out a vibrant space where community and sustainability thrive hand in hand. Founded with the vision of connecting Richmond residents directly with local farmers and artisans, the market is more than just a place to shop—it's a gathering point for those who value fresh, local food and a strong community spirit. We sat down with the team behind RVA Growers Market to learn more about their journey, their mission, and what keeps them inspired to grow—season after season.

CultureWorks: Can you elaborate on the market's mission and how it aims to serve the Manchester community and surrounding areas?

RGM: Our mission at the Richmond Grower’s Market is to be a catalyst for positive change, food justice, and community connection while helping small businesses grow and succeed. We want to be a community space that is welcoming to all Blackwell,  Hull Street, and Manchester neighbors. By all definitions, this area is a food desert, and we hope to do our small bit to make things better by bringing this weekly farmers market to the neighborhood. Aside from bringing food to the area, we are working hard to include educational, health, and fun aspects to the weekly market.

CultureWorks: What types of vendors and products can visitors expect to find at the market?

RGM: The market will feature a variety of food vendors, including local farmers selling fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat, and honey.  Additional food vendors include local bakers selling a variety of sweet and savory goods, prepared food vendors, and food trucks. Every week, you’ll find options for coffee, beverages, and take-home meals.  The market welcomes additional farmers and food trucks and is still looking to secure a seafood vendor. While the focus is on food, you will find some vendors with farm-produced crafts and can expect to enjoy the skyline view with a cold brew before the RVA Growers Market closes.

CultureWorks: Are there any special events or programs planned during the market season, such as workshops or community activities?

RGM: Yes, we have several programs already scheduled for the market and are working on developing more. We are fortunate enough to have weekly free or donation-based Compassionate Community Connection yoga classes offered by Jessica Scalin of Tiger House Yoga.

Saturdays @ 8:15am 5/3/25-10/25/25

Donation Based Yoga (suggested donation $10-$20)

Cash & Venmo accepted

Open to all levels: Compassionate Community Connection for all stripes

In this one hour class with Jessica Scalin we will use the breath along with foundational postures aimed to re-align and re-balance both mind & body. Jessica has been teaching for over 15 years and has made it a mission to bring affordable yoga to the community & the market has a mission of bringing fresh food to this area. The goodness must start from within - just like a seedling getting the nourishment & care it needs to one day produce fruit.

Join us at the market for a healthy Saturday Morning Start by showing up and supporting local community wellness with yoga and fresh local produce!

We are also having weekly Storytime for kids at 9:30-10am in our Kids Club area, which is in a fenced-off area under a pergola.  We will feature children's stories that are connected to food justice, farming, and similar topics. In addition to storytime, we are striving to provide free craft activities for kids in this area as well.  Eventually, we hope to have enough sponsorship to provide free snacks, workshops, and cooking classes for kids. We want everyone to feel welcome at the Richmond Growers' Market.

We have reached out to over 100 nonprofits and community organizations to invite them to participate as a table at the market for free, as we aim to enhance the market's culture beyond a purely transactional one. We already have several groups booked to come visit throughout the season and we have room for more. We would especially love to hear from nonprofits that might also host a workshop during the market.

CultureWorks: Can you share any success stories or feedback from community members since the market's inception? 

RGM: We have heard from a lot of Southside residents and organizations that they are excited to have this coming to the neighborhood. Many of our vendors are also excited, and we have been pleased with the levels of interest on both sides. One thing we have heard a lot is people saying they are grateful there will be a market because the lack of a grocery store in this area has been a decades long problem.

One of our founders, Marie D’Angelo, has lived in Manchester for 9 years. We meet regularly with community members and business owners in the area in an effort to create the farmers market that our community wants and needs. Marie discussed Richmond Growers Market as a concept with neighbors, and it came to fruition after a successful first year of collaborative Richmond Makers Markets with Basic City Beer and Legend Brewing. A pup-filled patio for Spooktoberfest sealed the deal with Legend, that we would begin developing RVA Growers Market as well as dog beer. 

CultureWorks: How does the market create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors and participants?

RGM: We are creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors and participants by being open to ideas and feedback from the community. We researched rates to make our vendor application fees reasonable compared to other markets. We are working to have vendors with different price points to serve everyone from families to foodies and other local businesses. The space is wheelchair accessible, and free and safe parking is available.  

Knowing how stressful it can be for parents to bring their children to events, I was thrilled to see the fenced-in pergola area at Legend. This space will help make the market more age-inclusive, allowing families with young children to feel welcome and comfortable. As a parent of an 8yo, I understand this need, and my own child often accompanied me to the St. Stephen's Farmers Market when I managed it.

If parents can sit down and drink a coffee or lemonade while their kid plays without having to be on high alert that the kid will run into the street, that's a big deal. I also know it can be stressful to bring kids to events where everything has a price on it, and you may feel guilty about not being able to buy things your child wants. That is the motivation behind wanting to always have free crafts and activities for kids.  Sponsorship of these events would go a long way towards increasing the positive effect. 

We are in the process of negotiating with the USDA to be allowed to accept EBT, which would also increase inclusivity. The program will match EBT dollars to make farmers market shopping affordable for those most vulnerable in a food desert. We are hoping corporate sponsorship of our Gift Voucher program will result in us being able to hand out vouchers good for purchases at any market booth.  We have experience as both vendors and customers, and we are trying to find the middle ground where we can do the most good. Marie’s Makers Markets are frequently described as having a “local vibe" and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. People often highlight its role in showcasing friendly and helpful vendors and it's recognized for championing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs while creating a space where all feel included and valued.