A Day at Findlay: A Market Built on Community

The Cartographers had the opportunity to meet and interview Kailey Gomez, Gabe Hughes, and Sam Stewart, who act as Findlay Market’s Program Associate, Event Coordinator, and Events & Community Engagement Manager. As part of their ongoing search to identify safe spaces for youth, the Cartographers prepared questions focused on the individual, historical, and community details of Findlay Market. These questions explore the Cartographer's understanding of Findlay Market’s history and its significance to the Greater Cincinnati Area.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Cartographers were given a tour of Findlay Market. The atmosphere was energetic, vibrant with color, and had live music playing in the background, while families and familiar neighborhood faces bustled throughout the streets. Along the tour, the Cartographers were told about the many helpful resources, family-friendly events, and future initiatives of Findlay Market.

One of the resources at Findlay Market is the Produce Perk Program, which provides access to fresh produce for low-income families by matching dollar-for-dollar SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Another resource is the Residential Compost Program, which is a collective effort to reduce carbon emissions by communally disposing of food waste at Findlay Market. Additional organizations such as Our Daily Bread, Over-The-Rhine Community Housing, and Last Food Rescue focus on providing shelter, job opportunities, and welfare for low-income community members.

 In terms of programming, Findlay Market hosts community events seasonally and annually. Some events are centered around a months’ distinct identity. For example, during Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Findlay Market collaborated with the Creative Asian Society (an organization empowering the creative voices of AAPI artists). Throughout this collaborative event, the Creative Asian Society taught origami classes free to the public. Likewise, on Halloween, Findlay Market held a candy and costume drive to provide resources to children of the Greater Cincinnati Area. Finally, Findlay Market hosts Tasting Tours and Art & Poetry Nights for community members college-aged and older.

Looking towards the future, the Findlay Market employees discussed ongoing plans for the upcoming 175th anniversary of Findlay Market. These plans include Findlay Market’s capital campaign, Findlay Forward, raising funds to redesign the space and preserve Findlay Market’s Legacy. This legacy expands the Food Entrepreneur and Food Access programs, which both  help support local businesses. Additionally, the capital campaign contains the following initiatives: increasing accessibility for people with disabilities, implementing safety measures, and initiating further youth opportunities.

After the interview, the Cartographers concluded that Findlay Market is an ideal location to put on the Wanderroots Map. This decision was based on the presence of Findlay Market’s community programming, family-friendly events, and resources for low-income, neighborhood residents. Furthermore, Findlay Market’s future endeavors ensure that the well-being of local community members will always be a priority for the organization. All and all, the ongoing legacy of Findlay Market is central to the identity of the Greater Cincinnati Area, and is a perfect location for youth to visit to find a sense of belonging.

The Cartographers are thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and interview with Findlay Market employees Kailey Gomez, Gabe Hughes, and Sam Stewart.