Reviewed by:
BJCTA Intermodal will host Birmingham’s newest farmer’s market. Ingenious.
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.
