The Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) is thrilled to announce that the Hammond Farmers Market is moving to Railroad Park. The official grand reopening will kick off the DDD’s 17th Annual Starry November Day & Night on Saturday, November 19th from 8:00AM to Noon.
Since August 2021, the market has temporarily operated on the property of the Old Hammond Feed & Seed store during the construction of Railroad Park.
“It was exciting to reimagine the use of the Old Hammond Feed & Seed property though the market. Over the past year, we experienced growth in consistent vendors and customers, and will continue on this upward path at our new location at Railroad Park, “said Michelle Kendall, DDD Assistant Director and Market Manager.
Railroad Park offers shade from historic live oak trees, seating, public restrooms, and a water fountain. Additional seating with tables will be available during market hours. To accommodate all active vendors and programming partners, the 100 block of NW Railroad Ave (between the post office and park) will be closed every Saturday between 6AM and 1PM. Parallel parking on NW Railroad Ave will be closed on Saturdays from 5AM-1PM. Closures are effective starting Saturday, November 19, 2022.
With this move and new horizons ahead, the market completed a rebrand. Now known as the ‘Hammond Farmers and Artisans Market’, this new name better aligns with its established mission, reflecting a marketplace that features farmers and makers producing high-quality goods for the community. Local farmers and consumer access to locally-produced food in Tangipahoa Parish and surrounding areas will always remain a core market value.
As an early Saturday morning and community-favored tradition, the market’s rebrand further emphasizes the tagline: Start Your Weekend Downtown. The logo, designed by Anntoine Marketing & Design, with input from market vendors and DDD staff. It features a sun rise emerging behind the profile of a tent. The market’s rebrand will be fully launched by the date of its grand reopening at Railroad Park (November 19th) and a limited supply of branded merchandise will be available for purchase.
To prepare for the move, volunteer work days will be held on Sunday, November 6th & 13th from 9AM-Noon at the Feed & Seed property (103 E Robert St). Registration is available on the DDD’s website.
The Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market is still accepting new vendors at this time. The market’s hours of operation are 8AM-Noon every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine. The market accepts SNAP/ food stamps as a payment option.
Our customers are now able to use SNAP benefits (Food Stamps) to purchase eligible products from vendors.
SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families. SNAP participants receive benefits on an EBT card which is then used to purchase eligible food items at SNAP-participating retailers. SNAP eligible foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, honey, dairy, baked goods, and preserved foods.
The Hammond Farmers Market is the only USDA-approved farmers market in the Northshore region which allows for the acceptance of SNAP benefits. In Tangipahoa Parish alone, over 29,000 residents are SNAP recipients, ensuring expanded fresh food access for community members.
“With Downtown Hammond being a food desert since the closure of two locally owned food stores over the past six years, our market has served as a fresh food hub. We’re excited to now accept SNAP to improve healthy food access to all in our community and uphold our core value of inclusivity,” said Michelle Kendall, Market Manager.
By initiating this program, local farmers and food producers will economically benefit as well. “Everyone should have access to local, healthy, and fresh food. Keeping our community dollars local strengthens our native economy, and builds a more sustainable food system. When small farmers are given the opportunity to feed ALL of our neighbors, everyone benefits,” said Ashley Baradell, Farm Owner and Operator of A & A Acres.
Shopping with SNAP is five easy steps!
1. When you first arrive at market, visit us at the Market Welcome table (located at the corner of NW Railroad Ave and Thomas St).
2. Present your EBT card to market staff member and request a dollar amount to spend.
3. Market staff will slide your card for the amount requested.
4. Market staff will provide you with wooden tokens in the value of the amount requested.
5. Shop with vendors selling eligible products! All vendors selling eligible products will have the sign to the right posted at their booth!
