The Benton Harbor Fruit Market now has a new owner, and he’s hoping to expand the institution’s reach in the community.

Mark Vanderboegh has now owned the 165-year-old market for about a month. He tells us after pursuing several business ventures over the years, he saw a real opportunity to make the fruit market shine.

“Not only was it what I thought was going to be a good business, but something good for the community,” Vanderboegh said. “Build back an institution that has been here for 165 years. That’s great for the local farming community, but also because of its location, I think we can really do a lot of good for the local community.”

Vanderboegh says he wants to help Benton Harbor residents, some of whom live in what are known as “food deserts,” have better access to fresh produce.

Established in 1860, the now-20-acre market has served as a hub for growers, wholesalers, and buyers. Vanderboegh says it’s a way for growers to get their produce to store shelves.

“Any kind of grocery stores, like a Roger’s up to a Meijer or smaller farm stands that are looking to expand, maybe they grow a couple items, but they need more. So they can come here and provide access to those things that they don’t currently carry.”

The Benton Harbor Farmers Market has been in its current location at 1891 Territorial since 1967. Prior to that, it was on the north side of Benton Harbor.

Vanderboegh says he hopes to involve businesses related to agriculture — like distribution companies and packagers — in the market to increase resources available to growers there.

This year’s first market day will be this Friday starting a 6 a.m. and everyone’s invited to stop in.