Fresh from the Vine: Brownsville Farmer's Market is scheduled to begin on Nov. 1

Brownsville finally is reviving an old, popular tradition - the farmers market.

A joint effort of community organizations, the Brownsville Farmer's Market is scheduled to begin on Nov. 1 at Linear Park.

"We really are bringing food fresh from the vine," said Dr. Rose Gowen, medical director of the clinical research unit of the University of Texas School of Public Health. "Keeping in mind that the closer to the vine, the healthier."

The idea behind the farmers market is to urge the community toward a healthier lifestyle through better food and eating habits.

Although the concept of the farmers market is not new to Brownsville, there hasn't been an established market in years.

The spark that ignited the push for this market began several years ago, when researchers from the University of Texas School of Public Health began pinning down the community's most pressing health concerns.

Two ailments stood above the others. The first was the high concentration of obesity in Brownsville, and the second was the related incidence of diabetes.

"From that came out the decision to engage the community in healthy lifestyles," Gowan said.

University researchers began reaching out to community organizations and local growers, including the University of Texas-Pan American, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Su Clinica Familiar and the USDA.

Together, they developed the idea of a weekly event in Brownsville, said Lisa Mitchell-Bennett, senior research associate at the School of Public Health.

"You see other cities have farmers markets. As Brownsville grows, we want to establish the same thing here," she said.

It was important from the outset that goods sold at the market be affordable. To that end, Su Clinica Familiar has received a small grant to help fund coupons and vouchers.

In addition, if the state certifies the market, people can use WIC and LoneStar cards to make purchases, Gowan said. Organizers are confident about certification, but the process could take a while before final approval.

So far, some 20 local growers from Cameron and Hidalgo counties have expressed interest in participating, and the city has agreed to do its part, waiving the city permit fee for setting up a booth.

Linear Park is located along the bike trail, and organizers hope the farmers market will act as an anchor for weekly outdoor activities, like biking and walking, that promote an active and healthy way to live.

"This is opportunity to teach kids and the community about where food comes from," Gowan said. "Maybe it encourages people to start their own gardens."