Ujamaa Freedom market is a worker-owned, cooperative mobile market that sells fresh local produce, healthy prepared foods and other household necessities in communities throughout Asheville on a weekly basis, particularly focusing on communities experiencing poverty and food deserts.
The mission of Ujamaa Freedom Market is to feed and nourish the whole community through access to healthy, fresh food. We aim to promote social, economic, environmental and food justice by serving as a model for self-sufficiency while educating and inspiring healthy relationships with food. Our goal is to strengthen the quality of life and the health and wellbeing of the community.
The market was founded by worker-owners Calvin Allen and Olufemi Lewis. Allen is a local community gardener with culinary experience in food preparation and presentation. Lewis is a former officer in the Hillcrest Resident Association and organizer for the Hillcrest Unity Garden. Allen and Lewis are both graduates of Just Economic’s Voices program for community organizing and Mountain BizWork’s Foundations and Financials business courses.
Ujamaa Freedom Market can be found on Depot Street across from Glen Rock Depot.
For schedule and more information, visit ujamaafreedommarket.wordpress.com.
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