Sun, Cold, Storm, Repeat
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Alive microgreens & microherbs from New Life Greens
Sun, Cold, Storm, Repeat
Oh April, you've certainly put us through the ringer. Hot days, violent storms and just enough cold to remind us of what spring in Wisconsin truly means.
Thankfully the plants and the produce seem to endure better than we do, and our second week of the 2026 market season demonstrated that resiliency.
More vendors returned this past week, like Domann's Plants who came in with some lovely flower, herb and vegetable starts (pictured).
B's Honey brought us the first flower bouquets of the season, and this coming weekend we look forward to the return of Yellow Dog Flowers with even more.
Produce finds grew this past week, with fresh radishes (pictured), rhubarb, spring onions and even some asparagus from Yang Family Produce making its debut.
This weekend our friends from Buy One For A Neighbor will return to support their mission of bringing market goodness to all in their collection drive for the Meadowood Neighborhood Center Food Pantry. Read more below about their effort this year to bring in more supporters as the program grows.
We've finally got a nice spring forecast for market this weekend (fingers crossed) and we're expecting more vendors to return, paired with more plants, produce, flowers and more!
See you at the market!
Ben Zimmerman
Market Manager
As a reminder to everyone, dogs are prohibited within the market area, though we welcome service animals at all times.
Vendor Notices
Highland Spring Farm will be absent from the market this Saturday, April 25th. They will return the following week.
Daily Vendors, April 25th:
The Deliciouser
Inspired Alchemy
New Life Greens
Buy One For A Neighbor Returns this Week!
Beginning this Saturday, April 25, students organized by the West High Meals Matter chapter will begin staffing the Buy One For A Neighbor booth at the Westside Community Market. In collaboration with Healthy Food For All of Dane County, WHMM hopes to mobilize the community to support local farmers and neighbors in need.
“Young adults understand the many challenges facing local farmers and families during these difficult times.” according to WHMM Organizer Walt Strange. “We know students can make a direct material impact on helping neighbors now and building a more sustainable food future.”
Buy One For A Neighbor (BOFAN) involves setting up a booth at local farmers’ markets and asking shoppers to buy and immediately donate produce to a nearby pantry. Farmers make extra sales, families in need get more fresh produce and shoppers know they’re making a real immediate difference.
BOFAN at the Westside Community Market collects produce donations for MSCR’s Meadowood Community Center Pantry on Raymond Road. HFFA and WHMM expect mobilizing the caring and generous West High community in support of this project will ensure a surge in fresh produce available for pantry users.
“We all know the food crisis is accelerating but we have novel solutions for how to respond.” says HFFA Field Organizer Joe Mingle. “Everyone in the community can play a meaningful role in providing immediate help and also building a strong, thriving local food system.”
The Westside Community Market operates from 7:00-12:30 every Saturday through November 7 in the Exact Sciences parking lot at 505 S. Rosa Road. WHMM will operate the BOFAN booth each week from 8:00-12:00. Everyone in the community is warmly invited to come to the market, support the farmers and share our local bounty with families who greatly appreciate the kindness and consideration.
For more information about West High Meals Matter, contact Walter Strange at walthstrange@gmail.com or 608.609.6597.
For more information about HFFA, contact Joe Mingle at minglejoseph@gmail.com or 608.332.1493. You can download a copy of HFFA’s 2025 Food Crisis Action Plan here.
For more information MSCR’s Meadowood Community Center’s Pantry Contact, Kesheria Walker at kswalker@madison.k12.wi.us or 608.622.1670.
WCM Tote Bags for Sale
Offered in a natural-tone canvas, these spacious bags feature our market bunny logo designed by Snaggle Tooth Arts of Madison for $15 each or two for $25, cash, check or Venmo (including Tap-to-Pay cards).
Please note, not all vendors present every week. Check our weekly newsletter or website for weekly lineups.
