East Fort Worth residents gathered last weekend at Texas Wesleyan University for the fourth anniversary of the Funkytown Mindful Market. The event, now a staple of the neighborhood, offers local artisans, farmers and wellness providers a venue to sell directly to nearby families.
Vendors and shoppers alike see the benefits
Joseph Hughes, garden manager for the Ridglea Giving Garden, ran his first booth this month, selling honey and a variety of pickled vegetables. Hughes, a lifelong east Fort Worth native, said supporting local farms and backyard gardens “sustains the community and culture. It gave people work, and that’s gone away for a long time. This is bringing back an economy that could really sustain the local people around here.”
Long‑time market‑goer Stephen Richardson, farm manager at Tabor Farms, echoed that sentiment. Richardson runs an urban farm owned by the Greater Mount Tabor Christian Center and noted that the market gives him a reliable outlet to turn a profit and reach residents who value organic, locally grown produce. “When you put the word out, especially for something this organic and for the community, it spreads,” he said.
Wellness and mindfulness at the heart of the market
Market manager Ashley Munoz, who began as a volunteer in 2022, highlighted the event’s focus on wellness. “The emphasis on mindfulness makes the market stand out among other local markets,” Munoz explained. In addition to fresh food, the market regularly hosts yoga sessions, free cooking tutorials, and even offers henna tattoos. This weekend, attendees could watch a cooking demonstration while browsing stalls.
Munoz sees the market as more than a shopping destination. “I like to think of the market as a place and space to expose people to different things — share ideas and inspiration,” she said. “Because a mindful practice that you know others might not know.”
Growth goals and community ownership
CoAct CEO Jesse Herrera outlined ambitious goals for the market’s future. Herrera believes that if the market can consistently attract 1,000 customers each month during its four‑hour window, it could expand to a weekly event, giving vendors steadier access to the public.
Munoz also displayed a sticker reading “Your Farmers Market,” emphasizing a desire for broader community stewardship. “I hope that the east side — or maybe even the metroplex — can view the Funkytown Mindful Market and take ownership,” she said. “Not in the sense of taking it over, but in the sense of wanting to contribute in whatever capacity.”
Why the market matters for families and faith‑based groups
For families seeking wholesome, locally sourced food and activities that align with traditional values, the market provides a safe, family‑friendly environment. The presence of the Greater Mount Tabor Christian Center’s urban farm underscores the market’s connection to faith‑based community initiatives that prioritize stewardship of the earth and support for local families.
Overall, the four‑year milestone demonstrates how a community‑driven market can foster economic resilience, promote health‑focused lifestyles, and strengthen the social fabric of east Fort Worth.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
