West End Community Market Inside for Winter

The West End Community Market goes inside.^

Patchwork Farm awaits customers.^

In the fall, it's fresh carrots and other root veggies that show their color.^

Customer studies the produce.^

It's a community market and a community center.^

Peppers' primary appeal is their spice, but who can deny they're pretty?^

There's still plenty of greenery for dinner.^

The West End Community Market in Roanoke has moved inside for the cold months, but, as you can see from these photos, there is no less enthusiasm, no fewer customers and no shortage of good food available. These pictures were shot minutes ago.

The West End Community Market is open Wednesdays 3-6 p.m. in the building next door to the West End Center, a child care facility for the poor. The market was organized about a year ago by people concerned that residents in this depressed area were not being given enough opportunity to buy healthy, affordable and locally grown food.

The progress in establishing the market has been slow and the customers continue to be mostly white and middle income, but organizers assure the market is here to stay and some of the corporate sponsors second that.