FREE MARKET PROJECT
Improving low barrier access to
high quality food
The Free Market Project supports individuals and families by improving equitable access to quality food and promoting fresh, nutritious and locally-produced options.
Run by volunteers every Tuesday on the Acorn Cafe patio from 12-5pm, the Free Market features a seasonal produce stand and year-round pantry stocked with food and personal care items, offered free of charge to neighbors who self-report as needing them.
This is a community effort that depends on donations from businesses and individuals! Grocery donations are much appreciated, but must be unopened, unexpired and shelf stable. Non-perishable donations are accepted at the cafe during all business hours: Wednesday through Sunday 10AM-5PM.
We are also collecting donations of fresh produce in partnership with the Lane County Farmer's Market - stop by the Info Booth to donate produce purchased at the Farmer's Market, and we'll redistribute it through the Free Market Project!
You can learn more about how to contribute here,
or view a full list of donation requests below.
Groceries
Beverages (shelf-stable only!): Bottled water, juice boxes, boxed milk, Gatorade and Pedialyte, hot cocoa packets, instant coffee, tea bags
Snack bars, protein bars and trail mix
Nut butter and jelly (plastic containers are generally preferred over glass)
Ramen noodles, oatmeal packets, or anything cooked with just hot water
Fruit cups and applesauce
Canned food (Fruit, vegetables, soups, spaghetti sauce, etc. - "pop tops" are preferred to cans requiring a can opener)
Microwaveable or easy stovetop meals, like macaroni & cheese
Cereal and shelf-stable boxed milk
Tortillas and crackers
Baby food (squeezable pouches are preferred to glass jars)
Pantry staples (especially cooking oil, also baking mixes, flour, sugar, beans, rice, pasta, etc.)
Perishable Produce, accepted ONLY at the Lane County Farmers Market info booth and only purchased directly from a Farmer's Market vendor (no home grown produce, as directed by the Health Dept.)
Personal Care
Can openers
Pet food (unopened)
Band-Aids / First Aid supplies
Period products
Diapers (all sizes, baby and adult)
Personal hygiene wipes
Deodorant
Hand warmers
Face masks
Batteries