Usually when I think of farmers markets, I think of overpriced, inaccessible goods and a signal that gentrification is underway. Because what is a farmers market if not a bougie flea market?

With 80% of Ball High School students in Galveston feeling food insecurity, and the need for locally sustainable food, Galveston's Own Farmers Market has expanded to having educational gardens on campuses across the school district and accepting SNAP and WIC benefits. Little by little, the food movement in Galveston is meeting their community where they can in an inclusive “third space” where community is centered instead of profit and consumption.

Casey, executive director at Groudswell, joins me to talk about the evolution of the farmers market in Galveston since its founding in 2012 and how Groundswell's programs reflect that growth. Here are the programs we touch on!

• Young Gardeners Program teaches students to grow and harvest food while leveraging each campus garden as an outdoor classroom that fosters confidence, curiosity and academic success.
• Food Access Program ensures families, seniors, and individuals can afford fresh, local food at the farmers market by amplifying benefits and removing barriers to access.
• Victory Gardens Program transforms public spaces into thriving, productive gardens where neighbors share in both harvest and connection.
• Real Food Project hosts community meals and cooking classes that bring people together around healthy, home-cooked food and practical education.