AUSTIN, Texas — It's a place to get fresh food, treats and entertainment – your local farmers market.
Now Austin’s only weeknight market is making an impact.
"We heard from the community that a midweek market was necessary,” said Kate Payne, the executive director of Texas Farmers Market.
She said they see about 4,000 to 6,000 people at the Mueller market every Sunday.
"Due to that success, we really wanted the Wednesday market to complement that,” said Payne.
So they started the Wednesday night farmers market at Mueller from 5 to 8 p.m.
"Just trying to make sure everyone can access good, nutritious, healthful food,” said Payne.
According to Payne, in just eight months, people have already spent more than $200,000 there, putting that money back into the local economy.
She also said people who use SNAP, or what used to be known as food stamps, have purchased more than $14,000 in food.
"Food that you buy in the grocery store typically travels about 15,000 miles from where it started and it's about 10 days old by the time you got it, so giving folks access to food that was grown within 150 miles and was harvested that day, or that evening or the night before is just amazing,” said Payne.
They’re also helping local small businesses who are just getting started.
"Supporting local farmers markets you are supporting local businesses at the core,” said Payne.
Mariely Segovia started her small business, Elly's Sweet Shop, after quitting her full-time job just less than a year ago.
"That's where I took off was that Wednesday farmers market,” said Segovia.
She said the farmers market has changed her life.
"Really the only reason I'm even able to do this bakery, and take it to where I've taken it so far, is because of the Wednesday Mueller farmers market,” said Segovia.
You can buy her sweet treats, as well as check out all the other vendors, at Mueller every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.
You can find other times and locations here.