A Little History on the Vendors' Market in Unity Park

In the winter of 2008, MPD removed vendors who had been selling in front of Sacred Heart Church for many years. They were mostly Hispanic, predominantly unlicensed and sold typical Central American food and fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some clothing and artisan items. This ad hoc market in front of the church was always a Sunday stopover after church to many who could not afford fresh food prices at a grocery chain; and people who had a taste for food from their places of origin.

After they were thrown out, they went to the Office of Latino Affairs for help. OLA and a communmity organization, FIDMI, worked with the vendors to teach them business skills and responsibilities. The vendors selling food were required to have a food handler's license.

FIDMI was given the grant to run the program, teach the vendors the necessary skills for beginning a business. The market was formally opened on August 29, 2008 with the blessings of the mayor, the councilmember and the ANC.

Donny Gonzalez from the mayor's office and Mercedes Lemp, director of the Office of Latino Affairs were on hand at the opening of the vendors market.

A priest was there to bless the endeavour.

Vendors were there with their goods to sell