Casper Is Excited For Urban Thistle Farm’s Big Spring Market

One of the great things about a strong community is that in times of need, you can rest assured that someone will be there to help you out. I've never seen that be so true before coming to Wyoming. Neighbors helping neighbors, friends helping friends,  and strangers helping strangers, it's incredible.

Food insecurity is a term the USDA uses to describe when people don't have enough to eatand don't know where their next meal is coming from. It's scary to think that there are families right now who you may know and interact with daily who are struggling to get the food they need to feed their families. Luckily, we're in Wyoming, and there are many organizations that can help.

One of those organizations is the Urban Thistle Farm & Markets. All of us at the radio ranch have worked with Jamie Purcell for years, as she's the rock that helps us with Birds n Bucks and Stuff The Van, and she's a big part of helping this community have options for food through the Urban Thistle Farm and Markets. 

The farm is located in North Casper at the old North Casper Elementary School building, and through blood, sweat, and tears from staff and volunteers, it has become a highly productive farm that supplies fresh food to the community. The farm isn't just productive during the summer growing months; they've created a system that grows fresh produce year-round.

Because of that, they're able to hold markets at times you wouldn't expect. They held their first winter market on February 7 and are gearing up for their next one on March 14. Jamie Purcell says this upcoming market has required a lot of hard work from many people.

This market is part of our mission to address the food desert of North Casper and build a food hub by revitalizing the former North Casper Elementary School. This is happening with AmeriCorps teams, farm tech teams, and volunteers.

They are looking for vendors interested in participating in the March 14 market. If you would like to be there, fill out the Market Vendor Application, and get ready to shine. If you're excited to show your support and grab some great locally made products, show up between 9 am and 2 pm at 1014 Glenarm St in North Casper.