Woman Hired to Oversee Wyandotte Farmers Market

There will be a new face around the Wyandotte Farmers Market when it kicks into gear this year on June 14.

The Wyandotte Downtown Development Authority, which puts on the weekly market, has hired Renee Henry of Ypsilanti as its first market manager. She'll be responsible for overseeing the market and planning all of its special activities.

Henry is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment, where she focused on applying environmental justice to local food systems. She worked with the Ypsilanti-based nonprofit Growing Hope and helped to evaluate their programs in the fields of urban agriculture, community gardens and farmers markets.

She also has experience as an artisan bread maker and vendor at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market.

“Our vision for the Wyandotte Farmers Market is to cultivate and encourage community participation and support of local food, farmers, food artisans and small businesses," Henry said. "We also hope to facilitate fun, educational, and hands-on opportunities for youth and children to learn about local food systems and what it takes to sustain them."

DDA Director Natalie Rankine said Henry was chosen among a field of candidates.

“We are confident that Ms. Henry will be a wonderful addition to our team, given that she has the experience we require to make our market grow,” Rankine said.

New this year, the markets will be staying open an hour later. They will be held at the corner of First and Elm from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays, from June 14 to Oct. 18.

For more information on the market, check out its website or follow it on Facebook and Twitter.