Modern Hill Woman

Every Saturday from April through October, I get up at 5 a.m., load my car, and am in town by 6. Once there I unload a canopy, three large folding tables, a chair, several large boxes full of baked goods, a dozen flats of jelly, and some handmade crafts. It’s farmers market day.

I usually spend three days preparing for farmers market. One day I restock supplies, one day for making jelly, and Friday is baking day.

For many Americans, buying fresh local food at one of 9,000+ farmers markets across the U.S. is one of summer’s pleasures.

Farmers have been selling their goods at public markets in America for centuries. Many U.S. cities sidelined street vendors in the mid-20th century to make room for large-scale retail stores. In the 1970s and 80s farmers markets started reappearing in middle-class communities and suburbs.

During the pandemic, when grocery store supply chains were disrupted, consumer interest in local foods spiked. Many farmers markets saw their strongest-ever sales in 2020.

People love the idea of eating locally produced food, and long to taste flavors that they remember from childhood; the cakes and jellies made in mom’s kitchen or the vegetables grandpa grew and pickles grandma canned.

Farmers markets have become important tools for reducing food insecurity while promoting health and wellness and contributing to the local economy and bringing people together.

Our farmers market is bustling this year with more vendors than ever. Old friends and new walk through to buy something and to visit. The sea of canopies entices tourists and campers to stop and shop, and many are directed towards the downtown businesses once their purchases are made.

If you haven’t yet explored your local farmers market, there’s no better time to start than this weekend. Your groceries for the week could literally be purchased at the farmers market. Fresh eggs, seasonal produce, fresh baked bread and cakes, jams and pickles, locally grown beef and pork are offered. Plants, handmade soaps and lotions, and wooden and craft items can be found there. See you at the market!