<p>Black History Month: Race, Food, and Equity</p> | February 3, 2025

Fresh & Local:

Black History Month: Race, Food, and Equity

Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate Black History Month, uplift Black voices, and honor the contributions of Black farmers and food producers to our food system. Black history is deeply intertwined with the history of food—its cultivation, its culture, and its community, especially in New Orleans. Recognizing this legacy also means acknowledging the systemic inequities that have long limited access to land, markets, and nutritious food.

Why have we lost so many Black farmers? Land exploitation. Land exclusion. Systematic racial discrimination. These historical injustices continue to impact the landscape of agriculture today. A person’s health and well-being are shaped by the conditions where they live, work, and play. From redlining to discriminatory lending practices, Black communities have been denied access to essential resources, including fresh, healthy food. Today, Black farmers make up less than 2% of U.S. farmers—a sharp decline from nearly 14% a century ago—and Black households experience food insecurity at more than twice the rate of white households.

Yet, despite these challenges, Black farmers, chefs, and food entrepreneurs continue to enrich our food system with resilience, innovation, and tradition! The Crescent City Farmers Market is proud to support over 30 Black-owned food businesses, and we encourage you to do the same—not just this month, but all year long. Every dollar spent is a vote for a more just and vibrant food system—let’s make it count!

Picks of the Week:

Final Sunday Location Change

Have you made it to the City Park Market in the temporary location at City Putt Parking lot? With the Super Bowl here this weekend, we will have our final temporary market change on Sunday, February 9th. 

Parking Options:

• Tricentennial Parking Lot (directly across the Great Lawn)
• Designated parking along Victory Ave.
• Street parking on Dreyfous and City Park Ave. (Please be on the lookout for No Parking signs!)

Restrooms: Facilities will be available nearby at Cafe du Monde.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility throughout this temporary change. We’re excited to see you at the market, enjoying fresh, local produce in this new location!

We’ll be back at our usual spot on Sunday, February 16th.

Top Box Foods Update

Due to ongoing operational constraints, Top Box Market Louisiana and all online ordering will be suspended. Resources will be redirected toward ongoing grant-funded community food initiatives, such as the Produce Prescription Box, which partners with local clinics to provide patients with fresh food as medicine.

For those in need of immediate food assistance, resources are available through this community resource document.

King Cake Szn!

King cakes have been flying out of the tents at the markets, and even more vendors are joining in on the fun this month! J&D Blueberry Farm is now offering Blueberry & Bavarian Cream Cheese King Cakes, alongside favorites from Leo’s, Candlestick, and more.

Have you found your favorite yet? Check out the 2025 CCFM King Cake Guide to explore all the delicious options!

Help Us Find Great Breakfast & Brunch Vendors for the Tuesday Uptown Market!

Know a local chef who would be a great fit for the Tuesday Uptown Farmers Market? We’re looking for prepared food vendors to join the market and serve breakfast & brunch each week!

A qualifying vendor must:

• Be a locally based business (not a franchise)
• Have necessary licenses & tax certificates
• Follow food safety regulations & market guidelines
• Produce in an LDH-certified commercial kitchen
• Carry general & product liability insurance

We prioritize vendors who:

• Are underrepresented business owners
• Are small, start-up businesses
• Offer culturally significant foods
• Use local ingredients when possible

Interested? Learn more and fill out our vendor application today. Or share with your favorite chef in town!

Vendor of the Week:

J&D Blueberry

After a rough 2023 blueberry season due to a late winter freeze, J&D Blueberry Farm had a great 2024 season with a plentiful bounty of bluebs. Jeff and Don of J&D Blueberry Farm have been in the blueberry business since 2004, and today, they offer a variety of baked goods, jams and jellies, teas and cold drinks, fresh and frozen blueberries, and creamy fruit and yogurt popsicles.

For Mardi Gras, they’re offering Blueberry & Bavarian Cream Cheese King Cakes, available at selective Tuesday Uptown and Sunday City Park markets starting February 2nd.

Recipe of the Week:

Honey Roasted Carrots

Simple and delicious! Roasting carrots brings out the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Use this base recipe as a starting point—add cayenne for heat or chipotle seasoning for a smoky twist!