El Mercadito
monthly cultural market
About Our Market
El Mercadito is a monthly cultural market that provides free, fresh cultural foods to the community, access to health care services through CHAS Health clinic, and a vibrant multicultural food destination in Spokane. El Mercadito addresses health care and food security in Spokane, to better serve the increasing Latino and immigrant population. El Mercadito is a vibrant international market of community connection, providing cultural taste, smells, rhythms and activities, while staying rooted to health and food justice.
Story and History
Back in 2019, Latinos en Spokane created its first strategic plan a vision built hand in hand with our community. Through listening sessions and community feedback, one message came through clearly: our Latino families wanted a market, a tianguis, that offered culturally familiar foods, local products, and essential services for our growing community in Spokane.
In 2021, El Mercadito was launched as a community market where families could access fresh, healthy, and culturally rooted foods for free, along with local goods, resources, and during that time, COVID-19 testing and health services.
El Mercadito has grown into more than a market, it’s become a trusted space of connection, care, and belonging. Families come not only for fresh produce but also for on-site health care through CHAS Health, city and social service resources, and a platform for local Latino and immigrant vendors to share their products and culture.
153,597
pounds of fresh produce was distributed in 2024
98,000
pounds of fresh produce was distributed in 2023
61,000
pounds of fresh produce was distributed in 2022
Donate To Support
Help us continue this work! Donate today to support food access and justice in our community.
So far in 2025, we’ve distributed over 81,000 lbs of food and served more than 1,200 families, but recent budget cuts now threaten this essential program.
Your donation keeps El Mercadito’s doors open and ensures families continue to have access to healthy, culturally familiar food and resources.
45%
Spokane County students are on free or reduced lunch
1 in 10
Spokane County adults cut or skipped a meal because they did not have money to buy food
1 in 5 students
1 in 5 students in 8th, 10th and 12th grades skipped meals because there was not enough to eat
Food Justice
Access to healthy food is essential to our lives. With food prices continuing to increase, organic and nutritious food is becoming less accessible to working people and leaving them to rely on processed food. Food bank access can be limited due to identification requirements, schedules and lack of familiar food. We aim to ensure that our community has access to fresh, cultural foods, and advocate for the safety and well-being of people involved in the food production process.
Food security is influenced by many factors, including household income, education and health insurance.
According to data from Spokane Regional Health District
Health Access
Our ongoing partnership with CHAS Health further enhances El Mercadito’s community impact by providing immediate health care services at the market. By integrating food access with health care and social support, we address multiple needs simultaneously—an approach that research shows is highly effective for improving overall health outcomes.
At El Mercadito, CHAS Health offers
-
on-site minor medical care
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vaccines
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Medication Refills
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Wound Care
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Treatment of Acute Injury and Illness
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Referrals for Primary Care/Specialist
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Lab Draws
CHAS does not offer free medical services. They bill insurance and/or patients for services.
More than just a market, El Mercadito is a space for community empowerment, cultural pride, and economic opportunity.
Food & Vendors
El Mercadito is an international market where food, culture, and community come together. Featuring food vendors from across Latin America, visitors can enjoy authentic flavors like Mexican tacos, Colombian empanadas, Salvadoran pupusas, and more!
Local artisans also participate by showcasing handcrafted products and unique cultural items that highlight the richness of our traditions.
Through the Empréndete Business Center, El Mercadito also serves as a launchpad for food entrepreneurs, giving small businesses the opportunity to test menus, pricing, and customer experiences in a supportive community setting.
Cultural Experience
At El Mercadito, the cultural experience goes beyond food and shopping. Visitors can enjoy live music and performances that showcase Latino traditions, while family-friendly workshops create opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate together.
The vibrant atmosphere makes El Mercadito a true celebration of heritage, community, and culture.
Seasonal Celebrations
Each year, El Mercadito comes alive with seasonal celebrations that bring families together to connect, learn, and celebrate culture. From our Easter Egg Hunt in April, to Día de los Niños in June, and the Back to School Event in August, these gatherings create joyful moments for the whole community.
This year, we are moving our cultural celebrations to El Mercadito. Check out our Cultural Celebration Calendar for the upcoming events!
Interested In Being Part Of El Mercadito?
Trunk or Treat at
El Mercadito
This family-friendly event will feature:
• Local Car Club Showcase with amazing vehicles on display.
• Live music to keep the energy going all day.
• Food vendors serving up delicious dishes to satisfy your cravings.
• Fresh cultural food distribution
• CHAS Clinic on-site providing flu vaccines to keep everyone healthy.
Don’t miss this exciting event where you can enjoy the Halloween spirit, connect with the community, and have a great time with your loved ones!
El Mercadito is at a new location!
El Mercadito is at a new location!
El Mercadito is at a new location!
Visit El Mercadito!
Last Saturday of every month!
Indoor Season: November to April
Outdoor Season: March to October
Located at Liberty Park
402 S Pittsburg St, Spokane,
WA 99202
Hours
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM