Local 16 to Host 2nd Grey DC Market May 21st

Photo by PoPville flickr user ken_1001

From a press release:

Local 16 and Grey DC announced a second Grey Market will be held May 21. The “Grey Farmers’ Market” held in February at Kushi allowed 15 local unlicensed/ uncertified vendors an opportunity for visibility and sales to over 350 people.

Grey DC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a stronger community in Washington DC. By organizing markets for unlicensed/ uncertified vendors, Grey DC offers a channel to those who otherwise would not have a chance to sell their wares.

“We are excited to now be a non-profit that can do more to support vendors to grow,” explains GreyDC founder, Maya Robinson. In addition to giving vendors an outlet to sell, Grey DC will begin giving grants directly to vendors to use for certification costs.

Local 16, a longstanding U Street neighborhood restaurant will house the next event. “As someone that supports local organizations, local events and especially local food we thought it was a perfect fit,” explains restaurant owner, Aman Ayoubi. Local 16 not only sources food locally, but they help subsidize a farm in VA, Whipple Farm. Ayoubi adds, “It is important for us to support local suppliers, without them how would we know where our food comes from?”

Grey DC will distributing vendor registration in April. If you or someone you know wants to be a vendor sign up at greydc.com.

Back in Dec. ’10 we learned of the launch of this new “underground market”. The first market was held in February at Kushi. Local 16 is located at 1602 U Street NW.

Do you have any problems purchasing food from “unlicensed/uncertified vendors”?