Pay What You Can Markets

Take What You Need, Pay What You Can

Affordable, culturally appropriate, local produce for our neighbors.

PWYC markets provide fresh, locally grown produce in areas of low income and low access. Markets allow individuals the dignity of contributing if they can, and freely sharing with those who cannot. Our model is: “take what you need, pay what you can.” Beyond access to food, markets serve as a catalyst for building and rebuilding connections to fresh food, deepening connections among neighbors, and strengthening our community.

Find your local market

Markets are strategically located in areas throughout Erie County where access to produce will have the greatest impact. Each stand is operated by a nonprofit or farmer that has strong ties to the community.

Find your market

Meet the Coalition

We could never fully capture the depth of our support network—and that’s exactly what makes this initiative thrive. It’s the collective impact of countless people contributing their time, talents, and resources to ensure the success of our model. It’s one gardener mentioning it to a neighbor, then swinging by later to drop off an extra harvest of tomatoes to share. It’s a guest paying a little more so someone else can pay a little less. It’s the simple act of sharing a recipe or a reusable bag with another.

At the heart of this effort is a coalition of dedicated farmers and nonprofit partners who lead individual farm stands and keep our high-level operations running smoothly. We’re deeply grateful for the collective efforts of Wild Field Urban Farm, Conscious Food Project at Raintree Farms, Grow & Glow Urban Collaborative, BUILD CDC, Erie Downtown Partnership, LEAF, and Groundwork Erie.

A special thank you goes out to our invaluable partners: Erie Food Policy Advisory Council, Erie Farm to School, Sue and Levi, Sue Shingle, and Blooming Valley Farms.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who lent their expertise—growing, harvesting, gleaning, collecting, moving, and distributing food throughout the season to build a healthier, more connected community. And to the donors who supported us, whether financially or through in-kind contributions—you make this work possible.

How to Support PWYC

Each year, through the generosity of our community contributing their time and talents, a yearly grant from the Hamot Health Foundation, the support of Erie Downtown Partnership, and many others, we are able to provide access to fresh, locally grown produce to our neighbors. It takes a village! We welcome your support this initiative.

Plant a Row

We accept donations of healthy produce at all stands throughout the growing season! Popular items include: collards, lettuce, garlic, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, ground cherries, green peppers, tomatoes, okra, herbs, onions.

Volunteer

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer for PWYC? Stay tuned for June-October opportunities to: harvest fruit at area orchards, transport produce from area farms to coolers, sort produce for distribution, commit to a weekly position at a stand.

Donate

Your contribution directly supports the operation of seven PWYC stands, helping to supply fresh produce, essential materials, and resources that sustain this vital initiative. Every dollar strengthens Erie’s local food system and makes healthy food accessible to all.