The Greater Dayton RTA hosted a grand opening for The Market at Wright Stop Plaza, a fresh fruit and vegetable farmer’s market in the concourse of the agency’s main hub. The Market is the result of a partnership effort among Montgomery County, the Greater Dayton RTA, the Public Health Department of Dayton and Montgomery County, and Homefull, a non-profit agency which offers clients shelter, education, employment and legal counsel.
“We know there is a need for fresh food here in Dayton,” said RTA Chief Executive Officer Mark Donaghy. “That’s why we’re glad to have The Market right here in our facility.”
Donaghy went on to commend the county commissioners and other community partners for making this concept a reality for those who rely on public transportation to travel to work, school, and medical appointments.
“Good nutrition should never be out of reach for any family, no matter where they live,” said Donaghy. “RTA is a very proud partner in this effort,” he said.
Donaghy pointed out that Wright Stop Plaza is the hub of RTA’s system, reaching thousands of people across the Dayton region. “Eleven-hundred buses and thousands of people use Wright Stop Plaza every day,” he said. “Having fresh fruits and vegetables here will save time and, in many cases, fill a void. Many of our customers live in neighborhoods without access to fresh foods.”
The Market at Wright Stop Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Dayton, an area some call a “food desert” for its lack of fresh food. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that about 30 percent of Montgomery County’s population has limited access to grocery stores. Almost 60 percent of these residents are low income.
The Market will offer affordable healthy alternatives for our customers, and much of the produce is locally-grown, according to organizers.
Market hours will be Tuesday through Thursday from noon until 6 p.m. The Market plans to have cooking and meal preparation demonstrations as well as nutrition education. Locally-grown produce will be available for sale throughout the growing season.
Dayton citizens on limited budgets are welcome to use their EBT / SNAP benefits to buy fresh food. One of the more unusual benefits of shopping at The Market is “Produce Perks,” a dollar-for-dollar match of purchases made via SNAP. The Market also accepts cash, credit and debit cards as payment.
