Napier Heights Food Co-op brings fresh food directly to the neighborhood

The Napier Heights Food Co-op Market has returned, bringing fresh food and locally made goods to Macon’s Napier Heights and Pleasant Hill communities. 

Vendors set up booths outside of Booker T. Washington Community Center Thursday afternoon for the grand opening. 

While the initiative originally launched in Tattnall Square, the market’s new location will bring fresh products directly to neighborhoods with limited food accessibility. 

“We’re trying to get the good quality vegetables in the community to the people who need it,” said Ashley Woodford, the co-op’s market manager. 

Folks can use EBT at the market to buy fresh produce and foods. If they spend their EBT, then they can earn the same amount in tokens, which they can spend on more fruits and veggies at the market. 

“I’m glad it’s here. I think it’s something great for the community,” said Joe Booze, who has an office in the community center for his organization, Wealth ASAP.

Booze grew up in Napier Heights and still has family in the area. He noted that there aren’t a lot of fresh food options within walking distance of the residents.  

One vendor, John Pope owns Creekside Farm, a 15-acre farm in Monroe County. He brought jalapeño salt, greens, bread and other goods to the market this week. He plans to have spring and summer veggies, like tomatoes and corn, available at market days later in the year. 

Clifford Porter owns a shop in Baldwin County and frequents markets — like the food co-op and the one on Poplar Street — to sell his handmade ceramics and woodworking. 

Porter said he hopes to come back to the Napier Heights market every week. 

Not only is the market meant to fill a need within the community, but it also supports small business efforts, Woodford said. 

Currently, vendors only pay a $10 fee to be a part of the market if they make more than $50 in sales.

Woodford hopes to gain new vendors in the near future. 

The market will be open to the public every Thursday from 3:30-6 p.m.

Those interested in becoming a vendor can visit napierheightsfoodcoop.org, email napierheightsfoodcoop@gmail.com or call 478-227-0997.