(Photo from Hattiesburg Farmers Market)
- Savvy shoppers want to know where their produce is grown, who grows it, and how they grow it.
Farmer’s markets around the state are winding down as summer’s end nears.
The heat and drought of summer have slowed production but the markets have been busier than ever due to the many food recalls in the past weeks.
Savvy shoppers want to know where their produce is grown, who grows it, and how they grow it. The best way to get that information is to buy directly from the farmer, and the best place to do that is at a farmer’s market.
The markets are also a popular community gathering place, many offering live music and handcrafted items.
This weekend, plan a trip to your nearest farmer’s market. You can pick up locally grown produce and other food products while enjoying getting out of the house and into the fresh air. Kind of a two-birds-with-one-stone thing.
A few of the most popular farmer’s markets in the state include:
Genuine Mississippi Farmer’s Market
This market is held near the state fairgrounds on High Street in Jackson, and a satellite market at the Brandon Amphitheater. The Brandon market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through October, and features 100% Mississippi-grown, raised, and processed products from local farmers and producers.
The Jackson market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. year-round. The Genuine MS Store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the website for more information.
Pelahatchie Farmer’s Market
The market is held the last Saturday of each month from April through November at Muscadine Park from 8 a.m. to noon. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Oxford Community Market
This year-round attraction featuring local farmers, artisans, community programs, and activities that strengthen local food access. This pet-friendly farmers market welcomes dogs and runs every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. More information can be found on the market’s website.
City of D’Iberville Community Market
Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market carries fresh, local produce, honey, farm-fresh eggs, homemade treats and baked goods, and much more. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Meridian Open Air Market
Open Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. June through September, the market features locally grown produce, artisan cheeses, local cider, and locally roasted coffee. Find out more here.
Hattiesburg Farmer’s Market
Open Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. March through November in downtown Hattiesburg’s Town Square Park. An added attraction is the Farmer’s Market Music Series. More information can be found on their website.
There are many more markets around the state. To find one near you, check the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s list of farmer’s markets by county.
