Farmer's Markets Close to Campus
June 24, 2021
Are you looking for a way to immerse yourself in your community? Look no further than your local farmers markets! Shopping at farmers markets is not only a fun, lively way to explore your community and learn more about what it has to offer, but it’s beneficial for all involved in a variety of ways.
When you shop at a local farmers market, you are helping to preserve America’s rural livelihoods. Many beginning farmers use farmers markets as opportunities to test the market and grow their businesses, so when you buy their produce, you are supporting their long-term farming careers! Farmers markets also stimulate local economies as local money is coming in, therefore local goods can continue to circulate. Farmer markets increase access to fresh and highly nutritional foods- and these foods are generally cheaper than they are at supermarkets! For this reason, 52% more SNAP households have been shopping at farmers markets for the past ten years. On a similar note, shopping at farmers markets promotes healthier communities. Not only is the food more readily available and cheaper, but most vendors make a point of discussing their farming practices and how to prepare the food as well.
Perhaps the most exciting benefit (although we are biased)- farmers markets promote sustainability! Three out of every four farmers use practices consistent with organic standards- that means no harmful pesticides or harvesting techniques, which safeguards biodiversity and cycling of resources. Additionally, there are no plastic bags involved and less carbon emissions as the food does not need to be transported thousands of miles to your nearest grocery, it’s grown by your neighbors instead!
Columbus has no shortage of farmers markets to choose from, but we handpicked three for you due to their proximity to campus and variety of times to fit your busy schedules.
Pearl Market
This farmers market is located on Pearl and Gay Street on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30am-2pm begging on May 21 to October 15 for the summer season. They offer curbside pickup, pedestrian pickup, or in-person shopping. Pearl Market offers fresh Ohio produce, farm products, and hand-made artisan goods, located in the urban heart of Columbus, only a ten minute drive or COTA bus ride from campus!
Clintonville Farmers Market
Clintonville Farmers Market is located at the Ohio History Connection on 800 E 17th Avenue and will be open for the summer season every Saturday from 9am-12pm starting on April 24 to November 20. This market is only a six minute drive or bus ride from campus (or a 25 minute walk if you wanted to get some exercise too!). You can preorder online and pick up in person or shop onsite at the market!
Westgate Farmers Market
Westgate Farmers Market is located at the West Gate Masonic Lodge on 2925 W Broad Street, which is also a ten minute drive or bus ride from campus. Westgate offers fresh produce, handcrafted goods, food trucks, and live music. The Westgate Farmers Market takes place the first and third Saturday of each month, June through October, from 9:00am to noon!
See you at the farmers markets, Buckeyes!
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