Our Roots

Open since February 2005, Phoenix Public Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates local.

It was a dream envisioned by Cindy Gentry, an urban center-point where farmers and local businesses who did not have stores or big contracts could bring their products to the people of Arizona.  The idea was to create a non-profit market that champions Arizona products made by people who wanted to build their own business. After much hard work by Cindy and other passionate community players, that dream began on a rainy Saturday in February 2005. About 14 vendors and a few more customers showed up the first day, along with then Mayor Phil Gordon and Councilman Michael Johnson, two of the earliest supporters, who rang the bell to get the day started.

Not only did it rain that first day, but the second day as well. However, Cindy with all the vendors and volunteers kept the faith and just kept plugging along. That faith and perseverance shown by everyone involved led to the ongoing growth in customers, vendors and sales.  Today we host over 80 vendors each market. The Phoenix Public Market has become a bedrock in Downtown Phoenix for people who come from the surrounding neighborhoods and often more than 20 miles away.

 
 
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our roots

Community Food Connections (CFC) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to making quality, nutritious food more accessible through the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market and vital partnerships. As an essential resource to our local economy, the CFC mission is focused on strengthening small farmers and businesses that foster a sustainable food system and produce healthy products for the local community. Open since February 2005, Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market is a natural gathering place that celebrates local.

It was a dream envisioned by Cindy Gentry, an urban center-point where farmers and local businesses who did not have stores or big contracts could bring their products to the people of Arizona.  The idea was to create a non-profit market that champions Arizona products made by people who wanted to build their own business. After much hard work by Cindy and other passionate community players, that dream began on a rainy Saturday in February 2005. About 14 vendors and a few more customers showed up the first day, along with then Mayor Phil Gordon and Councilman Michael Johnson, two of the earliest supporters, who rang the bell to get the day started.

Not only did it rain that first day, but the second day as well. However, Cindy with all the vendors and volunteers kept the faith and just kept plugging along. That faith and perseverance shown by everyone involved led to the ongoing growth in customers, vendors and sales.  Today we host over 100 vendors each market. The Phoenix Public Market has become a bedrock in Downtown Phoenix for people who come from the surrounding neighborhoods and often more than 20 miles away.