PrairieLand Market: An Exclusive Interview with Executive Director Vickee Spicer

In an exclusive interview, Vickee Spicer, Executive Director at PrairieLand Market, shared exciting updates and future plans for the market. As the market approaches a major milestone, Spicer provided insights into the silent phase of their fundraising efforts, expansion plans, and community initiatives.

"We are currently in the silent phase of fundraising, aiming to raise just over $1 million for a commercial kitchen and additional needs. We are 90% of the way there," Spicer revealed. "The design elements, such as painting the walls, are done, and countertops are about to be installed. We still need to set up merchandise displays."

The timeline for opening is also becoming clearer. "We are aiming for a soft opening in early October, with a grand opening a week to ten days later," Spicer shared. "Our biggest challenge right now is securing inventory and getting approved by vendors to ensure distribution for bulk organic products, in addition to local items."

Volunteers play a crucial role in PrairieLand Market's operations. "Currently, food prep volunteers cook food off-site at First Presbyterian Church on Mondays. Once the commercial kitchen is complete, we will handle food preparation in-house every day." Additional volunteers help with duties in the storefront, such as maintaining inventory and operating the registers.

The expansion of PrairieLand Market is a significant part of their strategy. "We are quadrupling our physical location, providing more shelf space, food storage, and dine-in space," Spicer noted. "We aim to triple sales of local products, quadruple sales of bulk organic items, and significantly increase fresh food sales." Additionally, PrairieLand is a proponent of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, heavily emphasizing the importance of local produce.

Spicer also highlighted the importance of community engagement and education. "We plan to offer hands-on kitchen classes, canning, preserving, fermentation, nutrition education, and meal planning," she said. "We hope to double the number of customers with our new options, improved location, and expanded offerings, including ready-made food."

In terms of accessibility, PrairieLand Market is committed to supporting all members of the community. "PrairieLand Market will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Double-Up Food Bucks," Spicer announced. "After a year of data collection, we will apply for Double-Up Food Bucks, a program in Kansas that doubles SNAP dollars on fresh vegetables and fruit."

With strong support from grants and loans from the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative and other public and private funding sources, PrairieLand Market is poised for a bright future. Spicer's vision and dedication are evident as the market prepares for its next chapter, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the community.