By: Rianna Turner Photo: Rachel Benavides
August 5–11, 2018, marks National Farmers Market Week! This week, streamlined by the Farmers Market Coalition, is intended to boost visibility and market attendance with fun games and prizes across the country. This year’s National Farmers Market Week was even proclaimed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Luckily for us, the Coastal Bend area has a few great farmers markets to choose from.
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Why shop from a farmers market? According to the Farmers Market Coalition, local growers create 13 full-time jobs per one million dollars in revenue earned, whereas growers that choose not to sell locally create closer to three. Also, locally-owned retailers — which include farmers markets, but also include your favorite local restaurants and coffee shops — return an estimated three times as much of their sales to the local economy than chain competitors.
Fresh vegetables and pasture-raised meat and eggs are not only delicious, but also healthy choices. When shopping from a local market, patrons also receive the freshest produce possible, and are able to forge interactions with people who are interested in improving their community! If you’re looking for a space to shop where people really care about their home, farmers markets are the place to go.
If you’re interested in stopping by a market to celebrate, here’s a list of farmers markets in the Coastal Bend that offer produce weekly or bi-weekly:
1. Downtown Farmers Market – This market, sponsored by GROW Local South Texas, takes place every at 5 p.m. every Wednesday at the Art Center of Corpus Christi. At this week’s market, the first 100 kids in attendance will receive “Veggie Vouchers,” which can be redeemed for 5 dollars worth of vegetables. There will also be Vendor MVP awards!
2. Southside Farmers Market – If it’s hard to get Downtown on a Wednesday evening, there’s also a market on Saturday mornings on the Southside! This market starts at 9 a.m. and takes place in The Market on Everhart — the shopping center that houses Tipsy Canvas and Janet’s Cakery.
3. Island Farmers Market – Both downtown and the Southside can be a trek for those on the island. Luckily for those in the Bluff, there’s a bi-weekly market at the Island Presbyterian Church from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Check their Facebook page for the full list of dates!
