For the consumer, quality of food happens at the point of purchase. When consumers start looking for a fresh, local option, farmers markets are there to meet the demand.
“There is a connection between you and your food and the person who grew it”, says Steve Shasky of the Bellville Farmers Market. Steve and his wife Cindy have been active in the local market for 11 years and serve as members on the committee. “We adhere to a standard, we have a market of integrity”, said Steve. Bellville Farmers Market has approximately 15-18 vendors who participate, located on the Village Green at the corner of State Route 13 and State Route 97 downtown Bellville.
The market is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – noon, and occurs weekly from May 19 until October 13.
The fresh local foods and produce featured at the market comes from within a 15 mile radius. “We actually do a garden inspection” Cindy said. “Everyone has to make or grow the products they sell”. Says Cindy, “We want you to talk to the person who grew it”.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, “Farmers markets are an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm.” For consumers, buying local produce ensures a fresher product. Those fresher foods maintain higher nutrient levels. Fruits and vegetables lose optimal nutritional value as soon as they are picked. Vitamins C, E, A and B begin to deteriorate and decrease. A study through Cornell University Cooperative Extension stated: “Over time, vitamin stability decreases.” The study also shows temperature changes, exposure to air and artificial light diminish nutrients in fruits and vegetables.
Because the time from farmer to consumer is direct, local fruits and vegetables are left to ripen naturally. “People have forgotten what ripe food tastes like” said Cindy. “The produce here was picked a day or two ago.”
Shasky also runs the Holy Trinity Church Farmers Market located in the church parking lot on the corner of Cooke Road and Lexington Avenue. “Its a good feeling to know you are putting good food on someones table” said Cindy. She went on to share that being apart of the farmers market is a social event. Where friendships develop. Her husband Steve explains the many ways a community benefits from a local farmers market, “the money stays in the community, roads get paved and local families are supported.”
“People have forgotten what ripe food tastes like. The produce here was picked a day or two ago.”
Bellville Farmers Market takes place at The Village Green at corner of Route 13 & Route 97 in downtown Bellville. It occurs from May 19 to October 13 on Saturdays 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, contact the bellvillefarmersmarket@yahoo.com
Lucas’s farmers market takes place at Malabar Farm Market on Pleasant Valley Road from May-December 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Shelby Farmers Market takes place in Central Park Main Street from June 22 – mid October. The market is open on Saturdays, 9 a.m – noon.
The Carrousel District Farmers Market is at 101 North Mulberry Street Mansfield. It starts on the first Friday in May-last Friday in October on Fridays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information call 419-522-0099.
Holy Trinity Farmers Market is at Holy Trinity Church. The market is located at Cooke Road and Lexington Avenue. The market is opne from June 5 – September 11 on every Tuesday 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
