DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 4, 2025) — Pete Bednarczyk, Freight House Farmers Market vendor, is stepping up to make a difference for the Quad Cities community at the Freight House Farmers Market this weekend. A long-time vendor and customer favorite, the owner of Pete’s Concessions will be providing “pay what you want” meals during Market hours this Saturday, November 8, 8AM-2PM, at 421 W River Dr, Davenport, Iowa.
A 25-year veteran of the concessions business, Bednarczyk recently found himself unemployed when his contract to provide meals for Head Start programs in Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott County was terminated, due to the current government shutdown. Bednarczyk knows that the families served through Head Start were not only losing the breakfast and lunches that the program provides, but many were also losing their SNAP/EBT benefits. Seeing a need for the community, Bednarczyk took to the lyrics of a Michael Jackson song to bring his idea to fruition.
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror. . . somebody’s got to do something, and the only person who can do something is the person you’re looking at in the mirror,” said Bednarczyk. “I told myself- I need to do something. So, I’m calling it the ‘Man in the Mirror’ fundraiser.”
The “Man in the Mirror Fundraiser” will be run by Bednarczyk, along with his family and staff, who are donating their time for the event. This Saturday’s menu will include biscuits and gravy, chicken tacos, chicken taco salad, and funnel cakes, along with other favorites. All are welcome to stop at the Market to eat.
The suggested donation to eat is “pay what you want.” Families who show their SNAP/EBT card will eat for free, as will anyone who makes a donation of non-perishable items. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the River Bend Food Bank. For more information, follow us on social media (@freighthousefarmersmarket).
The Freight House Farmers Market is Davenport's premier destination for locally-sourced produce, artisanal crafts, and gourmet delights. Since 2009, the market has served as a vibrant hub of community engagement and economic vitality, connecting farmers, makers, and consumers in a dynamic marketplace environment. With a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and local small-business support, the Freight House Farmers Market continues to enrich the fabric of Davenport’s cultural landscape.
