Fresh Fare Farmers Market Delivers Health, Hope, and Community in Norwood

Over the course of two Saturdays in May, Regenerate Society’s Fresh Fare Farmers Market returned to Shiloh Baptist Church in Birmingham’s Norwood neighborhood—and brought with it fresh food, vibrant community, and a vision for wellness accessibility.

Market One: Rain Didn’t Stop the Mission

Health & Wellness teammates, Mya Alston and Jada Roland (respectively) pose for a picture beside market chef, Delilah Perez (far right).

On May 10th, rain forced the first market indoors, but the heart of the initiative remained unshaken. Over 30 residents braved the weather to receive complimentary fresh produce, free groceries, and valuable health information. Conscious Living LLC served fresh-pressed juices, and local chef Delilah Perez prepared flavorful, nourishing dishes for guests to sample.

Community health advocate & wellness enthusiast Deysha Franklin also hosted a live demonstration at this first event, showing attendees how to prepare delicious meals with the ingredients being offered for free. The turnout was a reminder that rain can’t wash away a community’s desire for health, hope, and healing.

Community health advocate, Deysha Franklin, leads the indoor crowd with a cooking demonstration during the first farmers market.

Market Two: Sunshine and Sell-Out Success

Rookie member, Trinity Perdue (left), assists a Norwood neighbor with her free produce selections.

Two weeks later, the May 24th market returned outside—and the community showed up strong. With over 50 residents in attendance, food sold out before the first hour was over. Local farmers and vendors including Murphrees Market, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, Breadcrumb Home Bakery, Mattie’s Garden, and Hamm Farms supplied the fresh goods. Once again, Deysha Franklin hosted a cooking demonstration, helping residents understand just how easy (and affordable) healthy eating can be.

This second market represented a successful new model: vendors were paid, produce was free for attendees, and over 50 residents received fresh food completely on us—funded by sponsors and donors who believed in the mission. We also provided Uber vouchers to eliminate transportation barriers, offering a dignified, direct solution to a city-wide challenge.

3rd season veteran, Jordan Clay, helps pack and organize a selection of produce and fruits for a market attendee

A Project Led With Passion and Purpose

Fresh Fare Farmers Market is the reigning Regenerate Society Project of the Year, led by our Director of Health & Wellness, Candace Green—winner of both the LifeTouch Massage Teammate of the Year and RJV Media Lab Performance of the Year awards. Her leadership reflects the mission of our Health & Wellness Division: to address Birmingham’s complex relationship with healthy lifestyles and dismantle the barriers that make wellness seem out of reach. The division is strengthened this season by divisional teammates Jordan Clay (Finance Assistance, 3rd Season), Jada Roland (2nd Season), & Mya Alston (Rookie Season).

Unfortunately, at least 150,000 people in Birmingham live in food-insecure areas, where access to fresh produce is limited and convenience stores dominate. For many, eating healthy feels intimidating—due to lack of funds, transportation, or understanding of how to cook with unfamiliar ingredients. Fresh Fare was built on the belief that healthy eating can be accessible—and delicious. Our goal was to remove those barriers, nourish our community, and offer tangible solutions for long-term change.

Together, We’re Creating Change

The Regenerate Society, Inc. team celebrates the first ever market sell-out with head pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church Norwood, Kelvin J. Anthony (bottom far right)

We extend our deepest thanks to Pastor Kelvin J. Anthony and the entire congregation of Shiloh Baptist Church Norwood for their continued partnership and generous support in hosting both markets. Their location in the heart of Norwood (1331 25th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234) has been a cornerstone in our mission to serve and uplift this community. To learn more about their work and impact, visit sbcnorwood.com.

Attendees repeatedly asked when the next market would be. For many, it wasn’t just about the groceries—it was the dignity, the education, and the joy of knowing their health matters

Stay connected as we continue to fight food insecurity, elevate wellness, and meet our neighbors right where they are. Want to support or sponsor future markets? Visit thisisrsociety.org.