The city of Birmingham in partnership with MAX Transit plans to open a farmers' market at the downtown intermodal facility in July.

The farmers' market will be located at the downtown bus station to make fruits and vegetables accessible to the underserved population of Birmingham, said Terrie Lee-Burrell, grants administrator for the city of Birmingham.

About 9,000 bus riders travel through the intermodal facility, which is MAX Transit's downtown central station, each day.

Lee-Burrell said a shed for the market will be constructed on the landing in front of the bus station.

The farmers' market is made possible through a $50,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The city is contributing a matching $50,000.

"I think it is an excellent idea," City Councilor John Hilliard said during Tuesday's council meeting. "It is much needed for the area."

Lee-Burrell said the city is working with the Alabama and Jefferson County farmers' markets and reaching out to independent farmers to find produce to sell at the market.

The produce will be for sale at market price, she said.

The city hopes the market can be replicated in other parts of the city, Lee-Burrell said.

The farmers market will operate at least six days a week at the intermodal facility.