-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market
The 2018 National Farmers Market Week 2018 is August 5 – 11. This week would be a great opportunity to get out in the community, learn more about your local farmers and produce and go home with delicious goodies for the family. Shopping your Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) offers many benefits for individuals and the community.
Farmers markets support local economies by eliminating the “middle man” and allowing more benefits to the farmer, preserving farmland and rural livelihood. Shopping at your VCRFM also allows you to engage with other community members and learn more about where your food is coming from and the farmers who are growing it.
Saving money is another benefit of farmers markets. Since the farmers are able to sell their products directly to the consumer, prices are often lower. The VCRFM also accepts EBT/SNAP transactions for fresh produce, thus increasing the availability of fresh food for low-income families.
The produce at the VCRFM comes from local farms, guaranteeing you receive the freshest in-season produce. In-season produce is higher in nutrients and often better tasting as it is picked at the peak of freshness.
Try choosing something unique each trip to the VCRFM. Get your children involved and try a new type of produce each week.
Get to know your farmers — strike up a conversation with vendors and learn more about them. For example: Where is their farm? Do they grow organic? What is their favorite way to prepare their produce?
Plan your meals around your trip — search for recipes that allow you to implement the different foods from your trip in a different way. Your VCRFM also has seasonal recipes available for you to try.
Enjoy the weather – rain or shine (we are an indoor facility), snatch up some delicious food and support your local farmers’ markets for National Farmers Market Week.
* Excerpts taken from 8/1/18 article by Rachel Werner, registered dietitian at SSM Health/St. Mary’s
What You Will Find at the Market This Week – Saturday, August 4, 2018:
Apples, beets, blackberries, blueberries, butter beans, canary melons, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, okra, peaches, pork, potatoes, purple hull & crowder peas, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), watermelon and zucchini.
We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.
Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, August 4, 2018:
Adcock Farm
Cakes Delish
Culver Farms Honey
Donation Station
Faulkner Family Farms
Glover Gifts & Crafts
Jerri’s Things
LouMag Ent.
Material Blessings
Pretty Little Cakes
Pretty Tough Stuff Jewelry
Short’s Family Farms
Woodwick Designs
Contacts:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188
VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT
The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.