Brady Drake
Isolation Is Real. But, Belonging Isn’t A Thing Of The Past
By Folkways
Photos by Studio Freshly
We’re spending less time with friends than ever before—down from 60 hours a month in 2003 to just 20 today. To put it in perspective, not having social connection is as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The good news? Building connection is within our reach. Through intentional spaces, shared moments, and small daily choices, we can foster community and boost our health. Connection isn’t lost— it just needs a space to grow.
That’s where Folkways steps in. This Fargo-based nonprofit is tackling loneliness head-on by creating events and experiences that nurture both mental and physical well-being. Their core programs— Christkindlmarkt, Night Bazaar, Red River Market, and CampusFM—are intentionally designed to build relationships, create traditions, strengthen community ties, and provide a space where everyone is welcome. They believe these moments are crucial for our community— because connection is essential to health.
In just a few short weeks, the Red River Market will once again fill the streets of downtown Fargo each Saturday. While it’s known for its local food and lively atmosphere, it’s also a powerful tool for wellness—feeding bodies, minds, and a sense of belonging. This farmers market is a vibrant community space that celebrates accessible food education, is a business incubator, celebrates culture and the arts, and encourages playful experiences for all ages.
Here’s how the Red River Market supports your health for both your body and your mind.
Accessible Food Education
The Red River Market turns healthy eating into a hands-on adventure for kids and adults alike! Each week, cooking demonstrations are hosted by local chefs, dieticians, and food enthusiasts who highlight creative recipes using seasonal ingredients sourced directly from market vendors. Visitors get to taste the creations and can take home recipe cards from the Little Free Recipe Cart. To inspire young eaters, children can participate in the Bite Size Kids club. Kids who try a sample receive a $1 token to spend at any market booth. More than just entertainment, these demonstrations offer a greater understanding of local, healthy food choices.
Healthy Food Accessibility
At the heart of the Red River Market is a belief that everyone should have access to fresh, nutritious food. Thanks to their SNAP/EBT matching program, shoppers using those benefits can get up to $15 matched each market day, giving them double the buying power. The funds come as tokens that never expire, so they can be used for healthy food now or at future markets—even next year. To further increase access, the market partners with MatBus to offer free bus rides to and from the market, eliminating transportation as a barrier to fresh, local food.
Diverse Vendors
The Red River Market features a diverse lineup of regional vendors who prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. Shoppers can expect to find wholesome, nutrient-rich food options grown with care and intention. All participating vendors—including food trucks—are required to source ingredients locally. This approach nurtures both community wellness and environmental responsibility.
Here are just a few of the vendors you can check out this summer that are all about good food and good practices!
Family Roots Farm
Chemical-free growing practices help preserve the natural nutrients in their produce while avoiding harmful pesticides. Raw honey from the farm contains antioxidants and enzymes that support immune health. Meat options like chicken, lamb, and pork are raised with care, offering hormone-free, ethically sourced choices.
Prairie Soul Meats
Grass-fed, grass-finished beef offers more omega-3s and antioxidants than conventional meat. Raised without hormones or antibiotics, the livestock graze on bird-friendly native grasslands, thanks to Audubon-certified regenerative ranching. The result is healthier meat and thriving ecosystems.
sandranch-prairiesoulmeats.com
Breadsmith
Preservative-free, freshly baked bread is easier to digest and free from unnecessary additives. Without artificial ingredients, each loaf offers a wholesome alternative to storeb-ought bread. The artisan baking process preserves flavor and nutritional value.
Preheat Pastry Shop
Locally sourced ingredients like Dakota Maid flour and Three Bears honey bring freshness and flavor to every pastry. Using local products not only supports nearby farms but also ensures baked goods retain more nutrients.
Facebook: /preheatpastryshop
Farmented Foods
Fermented items like kimchi and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics that aid digestion and support immune health. Using imperfect produce helps reduce food waste while proving that beauty isn’t required for nutrition. Each jar contributes to a healthier gut and a healthier planet.
Three Bears Honey Co.
Unfiltered honey retains its natural enzymes and antioxidants, offering a nutrient-rich alternative to refined sugar. Sourced from local wildflowers, this honey may also ease seasonal allergy symptoms. It’s a sweet, nourishing addition to any pantry.
Kanji Naturals
Locally harvested herbs are blended into teas that are both flavorful and potent. Freshness enhances the benefits of each plant, supporting digestion, calmness, and general wellness. These handcrafted blends are rooted in thoughtful growing and intentional care.
Midheaven Garden
Biodynamic farming, practiced here for over 36 years, treats the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem. This method improves soil health and promotes nutrient-rich produce. Every crop reflects a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and nutrition.
Nature Roots Farm
Cold-climate crops thrive thanks to sustainable methods like composting and vermicomposting. These practices enrich the soil while minimizing waste, resulting in produce that’s good for both the body and the environment. The farm’s colorful mix of fruits, veggies, and flowers supports a healthy table.
Uncle Jesse’s Produce
Pesticide-free vegetables are grown using well-composted manure from local cattle, enriching the soil naturally. This approach supports healthier crops and reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals. The result is food that’s cleaner, fresher, and more nutrient-dense.
Facebook: /unclejesseproduce
Cultural And Arts Programming
The Red River Market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a cultural hub that celebrates creativity and community. Each market features free, all-ages live music and cultural performances, providing paid opportunities for local artists and performers. Themed market days like Global Day, Arts Day, and Growers Day encourage inclusivity and celebrate the vibrancy of our community. Access to the arts enhances mental wellness by reducing stress and encouraging creativity, and enjoying these shared moments helps strengthen your connection with others, building a deeper sense of community.
Intergenerational Events
Broadway Square, where the market takes place, is a vibrant space for people of all ages. Playful elements like bubbles, blue blocks, the in-ground water fountains, and the red “spinny chairs” create opportunities for children to engage in creative play. Creative play and STEM activities promote healthy cognitive development. The welcoming atmosphere of the square, with seating areas for all ages and abilities, encourages people to relax in the sun, enjoy live music, and engage in spontaneous conversation, whether catching up with friends or meeting new ones. Each market also features booths from local nonprofit organizations, giving them a chance to share their missions and offer interactive educational activities for all ages. Events like this, with inclusive and engaging activities, help foster a sense of community, promote learning, and ensure that everyone, young and old, has a space to connect.
Finding Belonging
The act of supporting local, sustainable food sources not only nourishes your body but also enriches your sense of community. Each interaction at the market, whether with old friends or new acquaintances, fosters meaningful connections that have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that a strong sense of belonging can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and contribute to a healthier life overall. So, when you visit the Red River Market, take a seat at an open table, strike up a conversation, and see how these small moments of connection can nourish both your body and your mind.
Folkways
Facebook | /wearefolkways
Instagram | @wearefolkways
Linkedin | /company/folkwaysco
