The Rio Grande Winter Market, a project of Urban Food Connections of Utah, will return to Downtown SLC on November 9, 2019, at the Rio Grande Depot (300 S Rio Grande St). The Winter Market is held every Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through April 18. The market will be CLOSED for the holidays on December 28, 2019, and January 4, 2020.
An abundance of produce will be available at the Market, thanks to farmers with cold storage capabilities, greenhouses and hydroponic operations. Shoppers can expect to find a variety of items for the upcoming holiday season such as squash, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, carrots, turkeys, apples, grass-fed beef and pork, eggs, and locally made arts & crafts for holiday gifts.
In addition to local produce, shoppers can purchase a wide array of specialty products including cheeses, honey, jam, salsa, spreads, artisan baked goods and more. Many of the products available are unique to the Market.
“It’s hard to believe that this is our 7th season operating a Winter Market!” says Alison Einerson, executive director of Urban Food Connections of Utah. “It seems like just yesterday we convinced our friends at the Department of Heritage and Arts to hold a farmers market in this majestic building. We are proud to provide a venue for our vendors to continue to sell all year round, providing them with additional economic opportunity, and offering patrons the ability to eat locally all year long.”
Hosting a Winter Market at the Rio Grande Depot also offers an opportunity to provide the public additional exposure for the programs and resources found at the Rio Grande Depot, which are overseen by the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts. These include the Rio Gallery and The Utah Division of State History Research Library.
Now in its 7th season, the Rio Grande Winter Market is an important step in continuing the success of the Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park on a year-round basis. Providing a crucial opportunity for growers and producers, the Rio Grande Winter Market also acts as a precursor to a future year-round Public Market.
Urban Food Connections of Utah Urban Food Connections of Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about local food, regional food producers and Utah’s proud agricultural heritage. Through a series of programs, workshops, and events, we help communities incorporate more local and whole foods into their daily menus, support regional farmers and food producers by assisting with direct marketing and sales opportunities and provide educational resources to farmers and food producers.
