MORGANTOWN —Farmer’s Market patrons and vendors returned to the space created specifically for them Saturday, marking the start of the summer Morgantown Farmer’s Market on Spruce Street.
Vendors included familiar faces like DeBerry Farm Fresh produce and Patty’s Pastries. Customers could cop hanging flowers and ramps, a West Virginia staple.
Belinda Nicholas, of WVU Extension Services, was in attendance doing a recipe demonstration. Nicholas, who is known for her healthy meals, was busy putting together
a strawberry-spinach salad
with a homemade dressing, spinach, and “a little bit of everything.” The salad was made with fresh products from farmer’s market vendors.
Caitlin Diehl, market manager, said it was definitely good to see all of the regular customers back for the outdoor market. She said it’s really good to see a good product variety under the pavilion.
“Business is definitely booming,” she said.
The Farmer’s Market is also still using SNAP program benefits. Customers who use SNAP can get up to
$20 matched by the market to buy fresh, local foods at the market. Also, customers with children can receive a $5 match to buy themselves fruit and veggies. This totals to $45 worth of product for only $20 in a customer’s SNAP benefits.
“We still definitely have a good amount of SNAP purchases happening. It always starts out really well the first couple weeks of the month. Our word’s getting out there. We have a lot of people that are bringing in their other friends and family who are SNAP in,” Diehl said.
Vendors generally stay the same throughout the season, though some may come
with more seasonal things like fruits. Diehl said vendors have to be approved by the beginning of April before
the can sell during the summer season.
And if you want to bring your four-legged friend along, that’s OK, too.
“When we’re back outside all doggos are welcome back outside, just as long
as they’re not too crazy,” she said.
Diehl said some of her favorite summer products are tomatoes and hanging plants — both available at the market. She also likes any type of herb.
“I’m definitely excited about being outside because it just seems obviously more welcoming and more inviting and it’s out in the open. It’s easier to see,” said Diehl.
You can catch Diehl and all the local vendors from 8:30 a.m.-noon each Saturday until November.
TWITTER @DominionPostWV
