From Their Farms to Our Tables
by Jeannine Gage
Who doesn’t love a farmers market, one that’s overflowing with fresh produce, plants, and handmade items – all in a beautiful outdoor setting? These markets are community gatherings, places to see friends and neighbors while supporting local farmers and small businesses.
“I love coming to the farmers market,” says Lisa Jorgensen, who lives in Lake Mary. “We come every week and get fruits and veggies to take home. They’re less expensive and better than at the grocery store.”
Lisa was recently at the Lake Mary Farmers Market (held on Saturdays in Central Park) with her two children and their pup, enjoying the crisp morning air and sunshine.
“We almost always run into friends,” she says. “Coming here makes me feel like I live in a community, not a big city.”
Growing Food and Community Togetherness
Many people feel that way, according to the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), a nonprofit with a mission to strengthen farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.
Farmers markets facilitate personal connections and bonds between farmers, shoppers, and communities, says the FMC. By cutting out middlemen, farmers receive more of our food dollars, shoppers receive the freshest and most flavorful food in their area, and local economies prosper.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are nearly 8,000 farmers markets throughout the country. In Seminole County, shoppers have several market choices in addition to the one in Lake Mary.
Shop Local
The Longwood Farmers Market, for example, is held on Saturdays at Reiter Park in close proximity to the playground and a splash pad.
Ryan Rinaldi, Longwood’s recreation manager, says the city’s market is one of its most popular offerings.
“Because it’s a weekly event, it becomes part of a routine for people,” he says. “And it’s a great family outing. People don’t just come and shop for an hour. They bring the kids, get a coffee, and hang out in the park.”
Ryan says he is proud that the Longwood market has such a large selection of fresh local and imported produce.
“It’s important to us to offer fresh, healthy products that all our residents can afford and enjoy,” says Ryan.
In Oviedo, the farmers market is held on the first and third Saturdays of the month (except during July) on the lawn of the Historic Lawton House and is run by volunteers and members of the Oviedo Historical Society.
A portion of vendor fees goes toward the society’s historical preservation initiatives, community-focused activities, and student scholarships.
In Sanford, the farmers market is known as the Sanford Marketplace at Magnolia and is held on Saturdays on First Street at Magnolia Square in the heart of downtown. Visitors will find an abundance of produce, arts and crafts, vendor items, and baked goods.
“I love the farmers market,” says Sanford resident Terry Bigelow. “Because it’s downtown, you can also visit and support the restaurants and small businesses there. And the market helps us to eat healthy and discover new treats while enjoying a beautiful weekend morning.”
Longwood Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue
The market features everything from locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and gifts.
Details: Search for Longwood Farmers Market on Facebook.