Gray Street Farmer's Market

September 28, 2017

Photo from: @kytaco Instagram profile

On a cool September afternoon, a small group of elders along with two interns, Misty and I, boarded the bus headed for downtown Louisville. Our destination was the Gray Street Farmer’s Market. This field trip was not simply a chance to pick up a few groceries, but an opportunity to teach a lesson in finance and support a community business. The market consisted of various small booths with items including organic fruits and vegetables, eggs, baked breads and desserts, and tacos from The Kentucky Taco Company food truck parked nearby.

The seniors each had about seven $4 Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program vouchers. These vouchers were provided through the Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services. Being that most items at the market were under $8, the seniors were able to buy a decent amount of groceries. Paying for groceries proved to be a challenge since most of the elders spoke little English and did not understand the pricing. Using gestures and body language, Misty and I managed to communicate to the elders when they needed more or less items to make their totals divisible by $4. This process basically consisted of pointing to a fruit or vegetable and waiting for them to give us a nod signaling “yes I like want this” or “no I don’t want that”. This method combined with the patience of the vendors made it an overall successful experience.

Our lovely Elder Program Coordinator Eva (far right) stopped by with a client after his doctor's appointment at a hospital nearby.

   

Photo from: @kytaco Instagram profile

After about an hour and a half, everyone had finished shopping and decided to relax on the sidewalk. I stopped by the taco truck for a quick snack where I was serenaded by the sounds of a Marvin Gaye album flowing from the speakers. As I started eating, David, an elder from Burma, asked, “what is that?” I replied, “it’s a taco. It’s Mexican food. You know, from Mexico.” “I want a taco,” he announced. He then proceeded to purchase his own and exclaim how delicious it was. After that flavorful exchange, we rounded up the group and headed back on the bus concluding our little adventure.

- Alexis