The Ivanhoe Farmers Market distributed nearly 400 watermelons and other fresh foods at their watermelon festival.

"Ivanhoe neighborhood is a really special neighborhood," said 3rd District At-Large Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley. "There's a number of family farms."

The event offered families free watermelon to help beat the heat. The shopper also could choose from fresh produce from local farms, using cash or food assistance benefits

The market's ''Double Up Food Bucks" program allows customers to maximize their purchasing power through a matching system.

Nadine Donovan is the Ivanhoe events coordinator and farmers market manager.

"They could spend as little as $5 or as much as $200 to shop with vendors here," said Donovan. "Then, up to $25 per market day, we can match that in

See Full Page