Stop by Summer Pop-Up Markets in Marie Wilkinson Pantry Garden

A series of four Summer Saturday Pop-Up Markets will be held in the Marie Wilkinson Pantry Urban Farm & Gardens at 835 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora. The gardens will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 and 29, and July 13 and 27.

Guests are invited to shop from a variety of local vendors, enjoy a cooking class, and engaging activities for children will be available. Admission is free. The first 50 attending families will have a chance to win a door prize.

Each market features a plant-based cooking demonstration from 11 a.m. to noon in Marie’s Garden Kitchen.

Classes featuring fresh garden herbs and seasonal ingredients are led by guest teachers nutritionist Deepa Deshmukh and dietetics student Julia Rudnicki. Register for a seat and samples at mwfoodpantry.org.

Each Saturday Pop-Up Market has a theme:

• June 15 — Exploring Marie’s Garden: Herbs, Edible Flowers, Spring Veggies

• June 29 — Women’s Health: Period Product Giveaway, CUPS Bra Drive

• July 13 — Container Gardening: University of Illinois Extension

• July 27 — Back to School Fun in the Garden

At the Woman’s Health themed Pop-Up Market on June 29, organizers are giving away new bras, menstrual hygiene, and body care products while supplies last. Donations of new and gently used bras will be accepted at the event. Collaborators include CUPS Bra Drive, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, and the ZamZam Foundation, who are joining their resources to support local women.

Vendor and sponsor opportunities are available for July market dates. Contact Cynthia Gamboa at (630) 897-5431 or email cgamboa@mwfoodpantry.org.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, a 501(c)3 organization, offers nutrition and resources that empower people to improve their quality of life. Learn more at mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org.