This year, Greene County has two farmers markets to supply homemade goodies and fresh produce. These markets are one of the best ways for local farms to provide fresh, nutritious food right to the consumers, as well as for consumers to support the farms their communities need to survive.
The Waynesburg Farmers Market, presented by Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful, has returned to downtown Waynesburg. A staple of downtown’s summertime festivities, the Waynesburg Farmers Market has been providing local residents the opportunity to purchase goods directly from the producers since 2005. The market is located in the heart of downtown Waynesburg, on South Washington Street, near the courthouse and right across from the Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency – make a detour inside to purchase some Greene County merchandise and check out all the fun things to do in the area!
More than just providing access to fresh foods, the market provides a community and gathering place. Many of the vendors have been selling here for years and some have been here since the first market more than fifteen years ago. Sue Joseph, who resides about a mile outside of Waynesburg and owns Sue’s Bakery has been a vendor since the start. She sells homemade goods and bedding plants. Her favorite thing about the market is the people. Hardens Family Farm, another vendor that’s been here since the beginning, agrees. “It’s the people,” says Fred McConn. “We’ve made a lot of friends.”
Dyers Fork Farm is new to the market; the June 10th market was only their second time selling there. But they are already feeling the community vibe. “It’s nice talking to people. The interaction is great and it’s nice seeing friends.”
Joe Skocik of Plum Creek Winery loves the fact that he “gets face to face time with lots of people.” He adds, “The people I meet at the market follow up in the winter, also.”
The Waynesburg Farmers Market operates every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm from mid-May until mid-October. This year’s last market is October 14th. Vendors for this season include Harden’s Family Farm, Willow Tree Farms, Sue’s Bakery, Rebecca’s Garden, Dyers Fork Farm, Plum Run Winery, and Daugherty LLC Food Truck & Catering/Heritage Farms.
New for this year, the Greene County Department of Recreation is introducing the Greene County Farmers Market at the Lions Club Park in Waynesburg. The new farmers market will coincide with the Sounds of Summer concert series that runs on Tuesdays from June 16th to July 28th. The farmers market starts at 5pm and the concerts start at 6pm; both last until 8pm. The Greene County Farmers Market will continue after the Sounds of Summer series ends, finishing up for the season in October.
Vendors for the Tuesday Farmers Market include BroChacho’s Salsa, Kiln To Table, Rebecca’s Garden, Dyer’s Fork, Willow Tree Bakery, artist Bobby Lane, Lil’ Chicks Candle Wicks, Sue Fowler’s wooden flower arrangements, Thirty-One Bags, Daugherty LLC, Thistlewaite’s Vineyards, Heritage Craft Butchers, Neens Soaps n’ Such, and artist Eddie Spaghetti.
Both markets are practicing social distancing and asking that shoppers please wear masks. Current CDC recommendations are being followed for the safety of both vendors and shoppers.
Why shop at the Farmers Market?
Farmers Markets Keep Farmers in the Field
- Farmers markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for new farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs, allowing them to start small and test new products. Many successful national brands got their start at farmers markets, including Hodo Foods, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Blue Bottle Coffee.
- At a farmers market, 100% of your food dollar goes to your local farmer, compared to the 15% farmers receive from traditional food outlets.
- Studies have shown that all farms, regardless of scale, are significantly more likely to survive if they have local food sales as a part of their marketing portfolio.
Farmers Markets Increase Access to Fresh, Nutritious Food
- In 2018, 7,206 markets and direct-marketing farmers accepted SNAP EBT, resulting in $24 million in SNAP spent at farmers markets. That’s fresh food access and more money in the pocket of small farmers.
- SNAP users reported consuming a greater quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables because of their attendance at the market.
Farmers Markets Support Resilient Communities
- According to the 2015 NASS Local Food Marketing Survey, more than 80% of direct-to-consumer sales came from within 100 miles of the farm.
- In a 2015 survey, 81% of farmers selling at farmers markets said they incorporate cover crops, reduce tillage, have on-site composting, and integrate other soil practices into their farm operations.
- In the same survey, 4 out of 5 farmers farmers discuss farming practices with customers and how it interacts with the natural environment. According to a study conducted by the American Farm Bureau, 72% of consumers know “nothing” or “very little” about farming or ranching. Farmers markets serve as invaluable educational sites and a rare bridge between urban and rural communities.
Information provided by the Farmers Market Coalition.