Hi, my name is John Guerrero.

I'm a resident of the southside of Milwaukee, WI. This June, I will be starting a Farmers Market at Reiske Park, located at 1640 S 24th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204.

The market will run from June 16th - Sept 22, every other Tuesday in June, July, August, and then 4 Tuesdays in September, totaling 10 weeks.

There's a need for a farmers market in the Muskego Way neighborhood and surrounding areas. There are kids in the neighborhood who haven't had fruits or vegetables on a regular basis. It's usually only at school during lunch. Some kids under the age of 8 said they never had fruits or vegetables at all.

I spoke to families while canvassing the neighborhood to see if they would welcome a farmers market. All families said yes. They said if their kids didn't have fruits and vegetables at home, it was because it was too expensive at the stores and they had to stretch their SNAP benefits. One family said, "It's cheaper to be obese than it is to be healthy," and I felt that deeply. I was once a single parent struggling to make ends meet. I remembered walking past a farmers market when I was raising my 2 older daughters and they wanted pears and apples, and I couldn't afford to buy anything. I felt so bad, and they looked up at me and smiled and said, "Dad, it's ok, we'll save up to buy them." I told them one day I'll start a market and make it affordable and accessible to everyone. My mission is to introduce kids to a healthier alternative of food, reintroduce adults as well, and make it affordable for families to have access to farm-to-table produce. Most people in the neighborhood think they have to live in the suburbs to have access to a market, and most don't have vehicles. So, having a market in the neighborhood would be a blessing. Also, with support from community partners, they will provide education on how to cook with the produce sold at the market by providing recipes and cooking demonstrations. We will show people how to grow their own produce as well to become self-sufficient. There will also be free health screenings provided by local health clinics and resources for people dealing with health issues and substance abuse.

Unfortunately, during this undertaking, I don't have an association or corporation backing me financially. I've come out of pocket for startup costs like insurance, legal structure, advertising, etc.

This market is run by volunteers, including myself. No one profits from the market. Money received will go back into the market for equipment, signage, fiscal agent, kids' entertainment, etc.

I know times are tough for most, and a farmers market might not be on top of your list to support, but food insecurity and healthy food scarcity has been something that I've been passionate about addressing for years now.

So, if you would like to help support my mission for the market no matter how small or large a donation and give kids a healthier start to life in communities who need it the most, it would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks!!!

John G