Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Gray Street Farmers’ Market, located at 485 E. Gray St., marks its 15th anniversary this year. Initially a collaboration between the University of Louisville (UofL) School of Public Health & Information Services and the Louisville Department of Health & Wellness, it now includes Catholic Charities’ Common Earth Gardens as a new partner.

The market maintains its dual mission of providing fresh, healthy, and affordable food to downtown residents while fostering community unity.

Melissa Schreck, director of external affairs and strategic planning for UofL Health, explained that the market was designed to be a “community-based” initiative independent of the university. She noted that its name emphasizes its location on Gray Street rather than its affiliation with UofL.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the market attracted approximately 300 visitors weekly. As businesses and markets began reopening post-shutdown, there was significant interest in reviving the farmers' market. However, reduced staffing due to the pandemic left UofL with limited resources for reopening.

Schreck described this period as “devastating,” questioning how they could revive the market. Relief came when Catholic Charities of Louisville proposed a partnership as they prepared to move to 435 E. Broadway.

Catholic Charities’ Common Earth Gardens program uses the market for refugee farmers to sell produce grown in 520 garden plots around Louisville. Jane Evans, program director for Common Earth Gardens, stated that their focus is on community garden sites where refugees are settling in Louisville.

“Having their urban farmers has made all the difference,” said Schreck. She praised Common Earth Gardens for sustaining and advancing the market through their collaboration.

In partnership with Catholic Charities, the market resumed its weekly schedule last year and aims to regain its previous momentum. Evans noted that it sometimes feels like a festival with diverse groups coming together.

Evans highlighted that Common Earth Gardens works to build connections between refugees and the broader Louisville community by providing interpreters at Gray Street for non-English-speaking farmers so customers can inquire about produce.

Many refugees seek native produce not readily available or affordable in supermarkets. Farming in community gardens allows them to harvest familiar crops and sell them within their communities. This practice not only supplements their income but also helps preserve cultural heritage.

The Gray Street Farmers’ Market operates every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until September 26.

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