Coppell Farmers Market and community gardens report growth, 25,000 pounds donated in past year

Leaders of the Coppell Sustainable Food Organization told the City Council that the Coppell Farmers Market and community gardens continued to expand in 2024, increasing vendor participation and food donations to Metrocrest Services.

Marissa Olivas, the market liaison, said the market has grown in attendance and vendor numbers and is beginning a strategic planning process to reincorporate as an independent nonprofit in 2026. “This year, the market has been focusing on strategic planning as they prepare to establish their independent nonprofit in 2026,” Marissa said.

Amanda Austin, director of the Cawthill Farmers Market, presented vendor and customer data, saying vendors grew from just under 60 in 2021 to more than 80 in 2024 and that customers traveled up to 30 miles to visit. She described expanded educational programming and an equitable food access program run with Metrocrest Services and partners.

Hillary Hodgson, garden chair, reported that the community gardens donated almost 25,000 pounds of produce in the last year and more than 380,000 pounds since inception — an amount the presenters equated to roughly 317,000 healthy meals. Hodgson said 104 gardening families contributed about 6,600 volunteer hours; the greenhouse produced more than 30,000 transplants, including 24,000 for school gardens, and the group completed 24 additional Vigo beds begun in 2023.

Council members thanked the volunteers and partners; Council Member Mathew (city liaison to Metrocrest) relayed praise from Metrocrest staff for the quality of donated produce. The group highlighted that the farmers market’s stated values — inclusivity, community resilience and placemaking — align with the city’s Vision 2040 work. The presenters asked for continued city support as the market and gardens move toward nonprofit status and expanded programming.