Farmers markets have sprouted up — 24 of them to be exact — in every part of town, every day of the week. The rising demand for local produce has helped farmers markets thrive, and it has made it increasingly easy for consumers to get fresh local produce with regularity.
It’s worth noting that fresher food isn’t the only reason you can feel good about supporting these markets. The economic benefits are profound. Farmers markets put money directly into the pockets of farmers — more of which is recirculated locally than money spent at national chains. Supporting our local farmers promotes and protects our agricultural heritage. Agriculture has the potential to be a major source of economic development for our region, and small-scale sustainable farming has proven to be a natural fit for the post-tobacco Kentucky economy.
The farmers market experience is unlike your typical grocery store routine. For one, when you shop at a farmers market, you are working directly with the people growing your food. You are essentially putting a face, story and name on the food you eat. It helps the food come to life in a way that is impossible with commercially produced food. You can learn the story of what you are buying — and start to appreciate the weather patterns that deliver your favorite foods. Farmers are usually willing to share tips and recipes for items that may be less familiar.
Farmers markets are also a social experience. They are a place for the community to gather, and they create a sense of neighborly interaction.
Although there are remarkable differences between the conventional system and getting locally sourced food, the biggest adjustment is knowing to expect only what is in season. Contrary to popular belief, tomatoes and other fruits don’t grow year-round, and you will never find a locally grown banana. This doesn’t mean that choice and selection aren’t available at a farmers market. Most shoppers are amazed at how many different varieties of greens, heirloom tomatoes and even radishes are available at any given market. Growing many varieties is not only good for consumer choice, but it also helps the grower by reducing crops’ susceptibility to disease.
Part of the excitement is showing up to the market and never knowing exactly what you will find. You might have an idea if you know what’s in season, but just last week I was surprised with a beautiful bunch of cilantro that was unseasonably early and had evidently “wintered over.” Likewise, sometimes you show up certain that you are going to take home an item, only to find out the weather hasn’t cooperated.
Most food is grown for uniformity and shelf stability. Often picked weeks before it is ripe, commercial produce endures a long journey before ending up on your plate. Consequently, taste and flavor suffer. Produce at a farmers market is picked ripe and sold immediately, which results in a more flavorful product.
Along with the growing demand for fresh food has come increased accessibility for low-income families. Nine of the registered Jefferson County farmers markets are now accepting EBTs (electronic benefit transfers, aka, electronic food stamps), and six of the markets are accepting the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers.
Check out the listings of registered farmers markets in Jefferson County, including payment types accepted, on page 68. A ripening chart for the Louisville area can be found at www.louisvilleky.gov/healthyhometown under the farmers market section.
EAST DOWNTOWN
Gray Street Farmers Market
400 E. Gray St.
Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
May 19-October
Accepts EBT/debit
Phoenix Hill Farmers Market
Felice Winery Complex
829 E. Market St.
Tuesday, 3-6:30 p.m.
May 10-Oct. 24
Accepts EBT/debit, SFMNP vouchers
Smoketown/Shelby Park Farmers Market
Meyzeek Middle School
828 S. Jackson St.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
June-October
Accepts EBT/debit, SFMNP vouchers, WIC program
HIGHLANDS/CRESCENT HILL
Bardstown Road Farmers Market
Bardstown Road Presbyterian Church
1722 Bardstown Road
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
April-December
Crescent Hill Farmers Market
Crescent Hill United Methodist
201 S. Peterson Ave.
Monday & Friday, 7 a.m.-10 a.m.
May 27-October
Douglass Loop Farmers Market
Douglass Boulevard
Christian Church
2005 Douglass Blvd.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April-Dec. 17
Growing Forward Farmers Market
St. Francis of Assisi Church
1960 Bardstown Road
Sunday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
July-September
Accepts EBT/debit
HIKES POINT
St. Andrew Farmers Market
2608 Browns Lane
Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
May 12-October
SOUTH CENTRAL
Beechmont Open Air Market
Beechmont Baptist Church
4574 S. Third St.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
June 18-September
Accepts SFMNP vouchers
Farmers Market at Americana Community Center
4801 Southside Dr.
Saturday, noon-3 p.m.
June-September
Accepts EBT/debit
SOUTHEAST
Fern Creek Farmers Market
Fern Creek Community Center
6104 Bardstown Road
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
May-September
Jeffersontown Farmers Market
10434 Watterson Trail
Tuesday, 3-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
May 21-October
SOUTHWEST
Southwest Farmers Market
Valley High School
10200 Dixie Hwy.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
June-October
Accepts EBT/debit, SFMNP vouchers
ST. MATTHEWS
Broadway Baptist Church Farmers Market
4000 Brownsboro Road
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
May 14-September
Oxmoor Farmers Market
Oxmoor Mall
7900 Shelbyville Road
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
June 18-October
Rainbow Blossom Farmers Market
3738 Lexington Road
Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
May 15-October
Accepts EBT/debit/credit
St. Matthews Farmers Market
Beargrass Christian Church
4100 Shelbyville Road
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
May 14-September
Whole Foods Farmers Market
4944 Shelbyville Road
Wednesday, 3-7 p.m.
April-October
WEST/OLD LOUISVILLE
California Neighborhood Farmers Market
Victory Park
22nd & Kentucky streets
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June-October
Accepts EBT/debit
Old Louisville Farm Works Market
Walnut St. Baptist Church
1143 S. Third St.
Wednesday, 3-6 p.m.
May 11-October
Accepts SFMNP vouchers
Rowan Street Farmers Market
1631 Rowan St.
Tuesday-Thursday,
8 a.m.-noon
June 14-Oct. 25
Accepts EBT/debit, SFMNP vouchers
LYNDON/PROSPECT
Norton Commons Farmers Market
9420 Norton Commons Blvd.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April-Oct. 1
St. Francis of the Fields Farmers Market
6710 Wolf Pen Branch Road
Tuesday, 3-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
June 9-October
Suburban Christian Church Farmers Market
7515 Westport Road
Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
April-October
