Farmers Markets

What is it that draws folks to outdoor markets...especially farmers markets? More than likely it’s the appeal of fresh produce or handcrafted local items. It’s that direct link with the farmer who grew the product, harvested it and handdelivered it to a table for our choosing. Or selecting something special that an artisan or baker created by hand. There is the colorful display of watermelons, cantaloupes, collards, beets and broccoli. And let’s not forget the jars of honey, fruit jams and jellies. It’s a special kind of social experience, this bonding between shopper and farmer, knowing you have in some surreal way contributed to the great cycle of earth’s bounty and the kitchen transformation of healthy meals.

Hampton Roads certainly has its share of farmers markets—an American tradition that is surely in no danger of wilting in apathy. On a recent trip to the Suffolk Farmers Market, held on the grounds of the Suffolk Visitors Center during the summer months, we had the opportunity to speak with a variety of vendors there. This was a pleasant blend of crafters and food trucks and tables filled with jellies, cookies, small wood crafts, jewelry and, of course, fresh veggies.

DAVID POLSTON

Then we got to thinking:

How is it going for these local farmers? Has the economy hurt these families of growers? It’s tougher on all of us as inflation rises more and more. And it’s the same with the artisans who more than likely are experiencing higher supply costs and supply chain issues. As we started asking questions to people in their booths, we kept getting the answer we more or less expected: “We are surviving just fine,” said one of the men. “There have been rises and falls of the prices to do business for as long as I can remember. This isn’t new.” These words in some way or another were echoed by most we talked to that day. More than likely those of us who shop markets like this all over the country are looking for something that the supermarkets might miss. And a bonus is finding the person behind the bins—meeting the hardworking person that simply grows food or handcrafts items for honest wages and delivers quality products. Sure, we may give up some conveniences—and frankly sometimes some cost-savings—by seeking out items at a local market. But you probably appreciate it more after having met the person who sold you that fresh garden item (I know that you’ll taste the difference) or the unique item made locally. ~Stewart Funderburk and David Polston

More markets: blvdmedia.io/farmers-markets