5. In its early history, Essex Street Market was known for thrifty meal planning workshops and Kosher cooking classes

Photo by Christina Han Photography

More than just a food market, Essex Street Market has always served as a community center where shoppers could learn how to shop on a budget. During the food shortages of World War II, Essex Street Market provided classes on how to stretch rations and save money by canning or substituting inexpensive ingredients. As over 70% of vendors were of Jewish descent, Essex Street Market also offered weekly Kosher cooking classes for over 20 years.