Each summer, the return of the Penn Street Market signals more than just fresh produce—it marks a weekly ritual that connects neighbors, supports local farmers, and breathes new life into downtown Reading. Now officially part of the Food Trust network, the market has opened its 2025 season with expanded programs and a deepened commitment to food access and community wellness.
Held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through September 25, the market unfolds in the courtyard along the 600 block of Penn Street, just steps from the Santander Arena. With views of the Pagoda and convenient parking nearby, the market’s location is as inviting as its atmosphere.
Courtney Shober, the market’s longtime coordinator, says this year brings an exciting new chapter. “We’re now officially a Food Trust market,” she explains. “That means we’re being managed and supported by the Food Trust, and it’s been a great transition. They’ve helped us secure funding through the Wyomissing Foundation, which keeps everything local.” Additional support also comes from the United Way of Berks County and the Berks County Community Foundation, making the market a true community effort.
With that support, the market has brought back some of its most beloved features, including live cooking demonstrations and the return of several popular vendors. Bog Turtle Creek Farm is back, along with Farm Traveler and RDG Fresh. New vendor Eat Mo Greens adds even more variety to the mix, while the GoggleWorks is set to join in the near future with both produce and family-friendly art activities.
The market is also expanding its wellness offerings with interactive events and nutritional educational opportunities that reward participants with food bucks—$2 coupons that can be used toward fresh fruits and vegetables. These nutrition lessons and taste tests are made possible thanks to SNAP-Ed and The Food Trust’s educators, who have long supported the market’s mission.
Courtney notes, “We’re also matching senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks with extra coupons. For every $5 check, seniors receive an additional $4 in coupons.” These matching funds are provided through the Berks Area Agency on Aging. Seniors can also bring their FMNP checks to any Food Trust pop-up market in Berks County this summer, where they’ll be eligible for the same matching benefit. The schedule for those pop-ups will be posted on Facebook.
That focus on food access is a central part of the market’s mission. “Two of our vendors accept SNAP EBT, and of course we always accept cash,” Courtney says. “And we’re working to get more vendors able to take FMNP checks as the season continues.”
Though the lineup of vendors and programs may evolve, the market’s roots remain steady. It has been a fixture in downtown Reading in various forms for nearly a decade, and Courtney—now in her eighth season—says its impact goes beyond produce. “It’s great to see all the familiar faces come back, especially residents from the nearby senior towers. Penn Street Market has become part of the rhythm of downtown life. People expect it to return, and they look forward to it.”
This year, the market is once again a stop on the B.A.R.N.opoly tour, a county-wide initiative encouraging residents to explore local farms and food producers. “We had our first Barnopoly visitors this morning,” Courtney adds with a smile.
The enduring presence of the Penn Street Market speaks to something deeper than weekly shopping. It’s a shared space where community members connect, small businesses thrive, and everyone has a place at the table. As Courtney puts it, “We just want to keep that positive vibe going. That’s what Penn Street Market has always been about.”
