The objective of the Mecadito the Centro is to become one the focal points for the beautiful and diverse South Madison community, according to Marcos Lozano, the farmers market coordinator for the Mercadito de Centro.

The Mercadito de Centro at the Centro Hispano offers fresh and tasty vegetables and other products on a weekly basis when in-season. Although the farmers market closed on Nov. 3, it will re-open in January.

In the summer and fall it offers fruits, vegetables and other produce. In the winter it will offer baked goods and other products.

This year the market had three primary providers who also are willing to collaborate in 2016. They were Antonio, from Oaxaca, Mexico; Yimmuaj, from Thailand; and Dolores Kam, a local resident.

Lozano said in January the market is planning to invite people from other areas of Wisconsin who are interested in selling their typical dishes from their countries, together with artisan foods – for example, bakeries, preserved food, and eggs.

Lozano said the Mercadito de Centro’s focus is to help people who live nearby have a better quality of life by using their programs and services, which includes an adult wellness program that addresses health and nutrition.

The primary objective of Mercadito de Centro is to guarantee the food safety for population in South of Madison, and at the same time, create an identity for our community, so everyone feels proud to support the Mercadito.

“We are working hard to convert this market on the second biggest farmers’ market here in Madison,” Lozano added, after the Farmer’s Market in Downtown.

When it re-opens in January, the Mercadito will be open Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centro Hispano, located at 810 West Badger Road, Madison. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to make shopping an enjoyable family event. Customers can use the Food Share card, SNAP, WIC with any of Mercadito de Centro providers.