WILMINGTON — The Clinton County Farmers Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week Aug. 6-12.
As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for American’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the citizens of their communities.
Nationally, farmers markets are benefiting their communities by preserving America’s rural livelihoods and farmland, stimulating local economies, increasing access to fresh, nutritious food, supporting healthy communities, and promoting sustainability.
Locally, the mission of the Clinton County Farmers Market is to “provide fresh, local products that are both high- quality and affordable for all community members in Clinton County in an enjoyable, welcoming atmosphere.”
The 2017 Summer Clinton County Farmers Market opened on June 3 on Mulberry Street between Locust and Main streets in downtown Wilmington. The plans are for the Summer Market to be open every Saturday morning through Sept. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to noon prior to the Winter Market.
Currently, the market hosts 16 vendors who offer fresh in-season produce, home-baked goods and breads, as well as locally made jewelry, pottery, paintings, bath and body products, dog treats and dog products.
The Market is fortunate to have sponsors from within the community to support its efforts to offer special events and to provide opportunities for all community members to purchase fresh local products. The 2017 sponsors are HealthFirst for Clinton County, Ohio Farm Bureau, Energize Clinton County, HealthSource of Ohio, Wilmington Savings, and the General Denver Hotel.
As a result of the sponsorships, the Market staff is offering “Double Your Bucks” days for SNAP recipients during the four August markets. The market will match up to $10 per market for each dollar of SNAP benefits used at the Market during August.
Another opportunity is “Kids Club” for children ages 5-12 where members receive two $1 vouchers to shop for fresh vegetables or fruit. As of the Aug. 5 market, 40 children have become “Kids Club” members and are learning about eating healthy, staying physically active, and mentally active. Other activities and projects are being planned.
According to Jen Cheek, Director of the Farmers Market Coalition, “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture and sharing recipes and new foods with their neighbors. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.”
The Clinton County Farmers Market staff encourages you to visit the Market to “Thank our Farmers/Vendors.” The vendors are open to your questions about their products, farming methods, as well as other questions you may have.
