BJCTA Intermodal will host Birmingham’s newest farmer’s market. Ingenious.
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Even while Birmingham boasts numerous farmers markets and grocery options, people in large parts of the city live in what are commonly referred to as “food deserts.” Now, a new farmer’s market at Birmingham’s Intermodal Terminal will bring fresh, healthy food to a spot many people use every day.
What is Birmingham’s Intermodal Terminal?

It’s a one-stop shop for all your ground transportation needs. Need a MAX Bus to get you out to The Summit or over to West End? Wanna hop a Greyhound to get out of town? How ’bout a MegaBus to Atlanta? Maybe it’s an Amtrak ride on the NOLA Crescent you’re after. Or an afternoon on a Zyp Bike through Railroad Park.
The Intermodal Terminal has all of that in one convenient location. Soon, it’ll have a farmers market, too.
What exactly is a food desert?

Think of where you go to get your food. Maybe now you can drive to a grocery store just 10-20 minutes away without giving it much thought.
Now imagine your car’s not working, and your only options are on foot. What’s available now?
For a lot of people in Birmingham, life without a car is reality, and the only local food options are convenience stores—great for picking up snacks. Not great for healthy, delicious food.
Here’s the USDA’s official definition:
Food deserts are defined as parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.
US Department of Agriculture
How will the BJCTA Intermodal Farmers Market change Birmingham’s food landscape?

Now imagine you’re on a bus to or from work and you have a stop at the Intermodal. You can swing by the farmers market—without having to make a special trip—to pick up some fresh veggies or fruits. Now you can take it home to whip up a tasty meal for your family or friends.
Now that’s a whole new kind of convenience store . . .
While the details are still a work in progress, you can expect to see this new farmers market soon, thanks to the Alabama Department of Commerce and Economic Affairs (ADECA) and the City of Birmingham.