Metro Jacksonville

A Day at the Jacksonville Farmer's Market

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Nearly two years after Metro Jacksonville pushed to move this local institution downtown, The Jacksonville Farmer's Market continues to remain one of the urban core's most popular destinations.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/971

They need a bigger sign in the air. Something very very very high so everyone downtown can see it. I wouldnt use Beaver Street at all. Id send people down Church to Acorn...and then use Beaver Street.

The farmers market rocks, we go at least once a week! You can not beat the prices and the produce is excellent.

Cooly- what is worng with Beaver?

The coffee shop across the street is pretty dang good too, nice coffee and tea selection.

I do use the Jacksonville Farmers Market but I must say I was spoiled by the Farmers Market in Columbia, SC...That Farmers Market blows this one away

I happen to go there often too, and love it. Yes, other cities have bigger farmer markets and many have more markets...but the one on Beaver Street is a nice one too.

As for Beaver Street itself, I use it all the time...it's a great way to avoid the highway and gives you a straight shot from downtown to the westside

Peyton Mafia?

Another fine example of a huge missed opportunity. 

If the money spent on that never-opened, horribly located Seafood restaurant in LaVilla had been spent to bring this market to DT, it would be there.   And the elected official that had actually pushed the idea would look like a genius, because it would have been a success, and  DT would have a seven day activity generator.  Not to mention many people that wouldn't go to Beaver St would have become customers.

What a waste.

 

What are the hours?

Theres no need to destroy a successful sustained business, when there is vacate land galore already available. [edit; a previous post was deleted ]

I would put this Farmer's Market somewhere on the Northbank Riverwalk.  Possible choices would be the Landing parking lot east of the Main St. bridge, the area covered by the Fuller Warren bridge, or the existing Riverwalk parking lot off Riverside Ave. Ideally, it would be incorporated into a revamped Landing or within short walking distance of it, to create 'snergy' with the Landing and the Riverwalk.

Getting really creative, incorporate the market with a new YMCA rebuit on it's current site.  The Y needs a new facilty and has a pretty big parcel close to the existing riverwalk parking lot.   Open a restaurant in conjunction with the Y, using foods purchased from the market.  Combination Health Clubs/restaurants are popping up everywhere.   





         

I love the farmer's market here!!  I go here every Saturday!  They could use a larger sign or perhaps a commercial or two on tv for more promotion.

Here's there website http://www.jaxfarmersmarket.com/news.asp

Sorry, Vic, but why not leave the market where it is? Did you ever think that perhaps the people in THAT neighborhood appreciate the commericial traffic the market generates.
It's not the nicest area in the world, so why move something that creates commerce and positive traffic ... to let it deteriorate completely?

And why does the Y need a new facility? That place is practically brand new inside. I always thought it was really nice, especially compared to some of the smaller Ys in Jacksonville.

Quote from: TPC on December 24, 2008, 09:47:29 AM
What are the hours?

The Farmers Market never closes. It's open every day of the year.  As a practical matter, most wholesaling (sales to suburban stands and vendors, restaurants, etc.) activity takes place between 4 AM and about 10 AM.  Then, the retailing predominates until the end of the later of the end of daylight or about 6 to 7 PM.  Many vendors will stay open as long as customers are present but each vendor makes their own decision.  If you want to avoid busier days, Monday through Wednesday are the lighter days.

The Jacksonville market is unique because it is both wholesale and retail, is open all day, and is open every day of the year.  With the volume, it needs access for semi's and delivery trucks as well as a good bit of acreage.  Also, retail customers like the drive-in feature to load their vehicles with their often bulky and heavy purchases.  This means a parking space is needed for every customer. Pedestrian access is good but most customers won't want to walk any distance with anything more than a minor purchase.  Then, there is the frequent need to haul off any spoiled produce, boxes, etc.  To accommodate all this, it is nearly impossible to place the market as it currently operates in a downtown setting.

Its current location is excellent because (1) it is easily accessed from I-95 (Union/King/Beaver exits and entrances) and I-10 (Stockton) which draws vendors and people from all of Northeast Florida, South Georgia, and the Carolinas, (2) it is central to the entire region (3) it helps to serve a neighborhood with no grocery stores in sight, (3) for 70 years people have been coming to this location and would likely be lost looking for it somewhere else, (4) provides 4 lane access on probably the least congested major artery in all of Jax in Beaver Street (U.S. 90), (5) provides jobs and business opportunities to area residents much in need of same, and (6) is located within both an enterprise and empowerment zone looking to attract commerce.

By the way, over the years, much of Beaver Street has been cleared or redeveloped (LaVilla development, Shiloh Church, Load King, Beaver Street Fisheries, Main Recycling, Preferred Freezers, Jacksonville Farmers Market, new and wider via duct over the railroad tracks, to name a few) resulting in the neighborhood facing Beaver Street being much improved.  Old impressions die hard but times are "a-changin."  If our City leaders would push FDOT to properly upgrade Beaver Street to the federal standards (including making it full width) of a U.S. road with landscaped medians like the rest of town, the whole neighborhood would blossom overnight with added commerce due to increased traffic.  But due to being forever relegated to Cinderella status, it remains the ugly duckling awaiting an appreciative audience.

The rule of thumb on hours is dawn to dusk, there is however no set hours.

I also believe it is unfair of Metro Jax to put up a picture of a building that says "WELCOME TO HELL PEYTON MAFIA" as that building has no affiliation with the Farmers Market and actually sits across the street, however, the lack of subtitles implies it does.

Stjr is right in that this type of market works best in a more industrial type setting.  When we bought up the possibility of relocating it closer to downtown (before the new sheds were built), LaVilla and the warehouse area adjacent to I-95 (off Beaver) were the locations suggested.  Both offered better access to I-95, higher visibility and a stronger connection with DT.  It could have served as a central anchor in a district full of vacant warehouses that could have become spaces for additional wholesale purposes (ie. the district around Detroit's Eastern Market).  The current location does not have the amount of available building fabric around it for something like this to develop.

Nevertheless, the new sheds have been built and the place is still a top inner city destination.  Personally, I believe if the city ever moves forward with the development of a DT streetcar system, a part of a line should run west from DT to the market.  That would also provide a strong link and stimulate redevelopment in the Beaver Street Warehouse District.

As for the Peyton Mafia sign, name aside, its one of the few available buildings adjacent to the market.  Its an ideal spot for a completing wholesale operation to go in (the image also has a big for sale sign in the front of it).  At Metro Jax, we preach the importance of connectivity and integration with surrounding properties.  So even when we present photo tours of a specific destination, we typically include a shot or two of nearby scenery that can be seen from the destination site.  That building and a Beaver Street viaduct skyline/railyard view are included in this photo tour. 

The first photo with the "Dawgs" stand affirms that there are more GA fans here in "S GA" than in Atl.  It just baffles me how so many people here devote their lives to UGA.  I live in Atl now and people there are more concerned with advancing their life monetarily and through other means, but people here are more fed up on UGA and other things than ever.  I guess the only redeeming factor in my book is that both Atl and here are conservative areas lol.  BTW I think this is a good farmer's market and there is a good seafood place a mile or so west on Beaver.

Why does the farmers market promote its facility as a place to buy from farmers? The only produce I see there was grown many miles away and shipped. What we really need is a amrket, or an area of this market, that sells real locally grown produce. And some organic  products would be nice, too. Yes, the prices are cheaper than the grocery, but vegetables sitting in the heat and sunshine loose nutrients.

Quote from: metoo on December 25, 2008, 07:59:31 AM
Why does the farmers market promote its facility as a place to buy from farmers? The only produce I see there was grown many miles away and shipped. What we really need is a amrket, or an area of this market, that sells real locally grown produce. And some organic  products would be nice, too. Yes, the prices are cheaper than the grocery, but vegetables sitting in the heat and sunshine loose nutrients.

My visits to the Farmers Market indicate that the new sheds at the market effectively shade most items (and customers) throughout the day, especially the peak times of sun.  And with the turnover volume, I doubt much is exposed very long to begin with. Contrast this with the grocery stores who are probably gassing or treating their produce to keep it looking picture perfect for display.  Add the stores "mood" lighting to bring out the best colors and good luck bringing home exactly what you thought it was in the store. 

One should also consider the many traditional varieties of produce with superior flavor that can be found in the Farmers Market that grocery stores won't touch because of their less than perfect appearance or shorter shelf life.  Smart buyers know appearances can be deceiving with some produce in terms of obtaining best flavor.  We didn't always have pesticides, genetic engineering, and other technology to alter produce to make it so picture perfect and old timers will tell you that much of the best flavored stuff doesn't always look the prettiest.

Many vendors are seasonal farmers and many of the regular vendors are supplied by farmers who don't wish to hang around and sell their production.  A lot of the farmers sell out early in the day and you have to be there earlier to catch them.  Remember, too, there is a significant wholesale operation in the early morning and farmers like to sell out quickly and get back to the farm.

With fewer and fewer farmers in the region (see below data from last week's Florida Times Union article showing that in Duval County acreage has shrunk some 73% over the last 52 years) it is not as easy to find very close-by suppliers.  I would consider any farmer from Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas "local" by today's standards.  Yes, there are some vendors that mix in or carry other produce because it is nearly impossible to have enough variety and supply year round depending only on "local" production.  And some of the ethnic or specialty produce may not be grown locally.  You should ask questions if this is important to you and buy accordingly.  But it is not right to whitewash equally all the vendors and/or the produce sold as there is way too much variety and seasonality.

By the way, if someone wants something special in the market, some existing vendors may be able to bring it in.  Or, maybe you could find a new vendor to set up shop there if you see a niche not being covered.  It is, after all, the ultimate in entrepreneurial settings.  8)
----------------------------------------------------
Per the Florida T-U:
SHRINKING FARMLAND
The number of farms and farmland in Duval County has been dwindling over the years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's census:
1950
975
farms
112,543
acres

2002
382
farms
31,241
acres
Note: The 2002 figures are the most recent available; they will be updated in February.

Speaking of new vendors, they now have one selling seafood.  Needless to say, that booth had a pretty decent crowd purchasing fresh shrimp, lobster and fish.

Chickens and goats for sale way in the back...

Check out "Conexus"? Across the street. Great prices on good coffee, tea, and spices mmmmm....Only draw back is the hours, open m-f 8 to 430ish

I believe that it's Condaxis Coffee, at same intersection of Robinson Ave. and Beaver Street as Farmers Market, but on Northwest corner.

I've heard some bad things about the Farmer's Market here in town... such as cleanliness and such. But I have to say it looks very nice in the pictures you have posted. I'm on my way there now so we will see:-)

Quote from: stjr on December 28, 2008, 11:42:33 PM
I believe that it's Condaxis Coffee, at same intersection of Robinson Ave. and Beaver Street as Farmers Market, but on Northwest corner.

I am pretty sure it is Condaxis, I know they distribute to a lot of the restaurants around town. Good Coffee.

I just got back from the FM and it was a great experience! Everyone was very friendly and the prices were AWESOME!

I got:

8 Yellow Squash    $3.00
5 Fuji Apples         $3.00
10 Florida Oranges $3.00
3 Red Onions         $1.00
?# Red Grapes       $2.50
      Grand Total:  $12.50

That would normally cost me $25 @ publix.

(http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/2672/img5484xi5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
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Quote from: uptowngirl on December 24, 2008, 06:36:59 AM
The farmers market rocks, we go at least once a week! You can not beat the prices and the produce is excellent.

Cooly- what is worng with Beaver?

Nothing exactly...just the scenery I don't really like. Once you get to Myrtle and Beaver or Cleveland and Beaver you don't feel like you are Downtown, where as if you take Church to Acorn it still has a city feel to it, You ride right past the rail yard make the quick left on Beaver and you are there.

Count the number of grapes as you eat em, Jimmy! I need to know how much per grape. :)

The Farmer's Market is great for fresh produce and getting a great deal.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Farmers Market this past Tuesday for the first time thanks to MetroJacksonville.

I was really surprised to see how busy it was in the early afternoon on a weekday.

I ended up leaving with 15lb's of fruit & veggies for $10; tomato's, bell peppers, egg plant (the size of my leg), grape fruit were all priced much lower then the local grocery and the sizes and quality was much much better.

Another great Jax staple I was missing out on and it was litterally 3 minutes from my house!

My Father works at BSF (Beaver Street Foods) , and previously at A & P (in virtually the same location) brewing 8 o clock coffee (until the coffee plant closed) for as long as I've been alive. We've always enjoyed the 'fruits' farmers market, and my mom tells stories of a time she used to sell for vendors back when. The new large freezer on that side of the overpass really took up a lot of the farmer’s market real estate, but I think it was the right decision to keep it in it current location instead of relocating as was the talk at the time. I like the condensed feel, although parking can feel a bit Closter-phobic.

As for the talk of moving it. I find that akin to wanting to tear down a historical home or building in down town because you think something new would be "better" (think the new Court House Plans). The FM has worked where it is for years, and I see no reason to move it. If you want to move something, lets start with some things that are not working, like the landing. I think it's about time we tear it down, not screw the farmers market up by putting it there.

QuoteAs for the talk of moving it. I find that akin to wanting to tear down a historical home or building in down town because you think something new would be "better" (think the new Court House Plans). The FM has worked where it is for years, and I see no reason to move it. If you want to move something, lets start with some things that are not working, like the landing. I think it's about time we tear it down, not screw the farmers market up by putting it there.

This flies out the window because the historic sheds were destroyed for the new cold storage warehouse about a year ago.  Although, at the same stoplight, the location also shifted to a parcel to the west.  So in reality it did move.  What's there is not historic or the original site of the market.   In the end, even the current location is fine as long as we find a way to better connect and promote the market to its surroundings and the urban core.  The place is an economic engine that has not been taken advantage of in decades, from a redevelopment/revitalization standpoint. 

That entire Beaver Street strip could be a much better place and greater destination if we apply the clustering and connectivity concepts to the market and its surroundings.  Take a look at the district around Detroit's Eastern Market.  It's gritty and industrial.  But its also vibrant and a regional destination for residents, dining businesses and tourists.  There's no reason all those vacant warehouses and empty lots down Beaver can't one day resemble the same thing.

Eastern Market: Creating a successful farmer's market district

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full article: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=370.0

QuoteAlthough, at the same stoplight, the location also shifted to a parcel to the west.  So in reality it did move.  What's there is not historic or the original site of the market.

Yes, I concede it was "shifted" in it's lot. You do understand that I was referring to moving something that actually works and thrives because it's not where some here would consider a "hip" place? It's very much in the same location, not empty in hemming plaza, or rotting without patrons at the landing as many suggested it should be back when it was "shifted". The farmers market would be dead right now if either of those had taken place. Many other markets have come and gone in other parts of the city during the long history of the FM.

I'm all for developing the Beaver St corridor. There are a number of historical buildings on and around Beaver that have heaps of potential. Maybe we could enlist the Peyton Mafia for assistance.

If you want something to die somewhere else, fine. But the Farmers market thrives where and how it is. Leave it alone.

QuoteYes, I concede it was "shifted" in it's lot. You do understand that I was referring to moving something that actually works and thrives because it's not where some here would consider a "hip" place?

Yes.  However, you must admit, although the market may be successful, the surrounding commercial corridor and neighborhood has been on its knees since probably the 1950s/60s.  When we talked about moving the market location, the move suggestion was not made because it would be a "hip" thing to do.  It was made because it would place the market in a location that would help spread redevelopment around the market.  The hope was, instead of having just a successful market, we would have a successful "market district". 

QuoteIt's very much in the same location, not empty in hemming plaza, or rotting without patrons at the landing as many suggested it should be back when it was "shifted". The farmers market would be dead right now if either of those had taken place. Many other markets have come and gone in other parts of the city during the long history of the FM.

The suggested location made by Metro Jacksonville, was a large vacant warehouse property right off the corner of Beaver & Myrtle, a few blocks from the Beaver Street viaduct.  That way, it would have been in the same industrial neighborhood, yet have visibility from I-95 and and closer proximity to a large collection of vacant warehouses (additional private sector infill wholesale opportunities) on surrounding streets.  I think we can both agree, a market such as this would not work, and should not be located, in the heart of downtown.

(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/farmers_market/MyrtleAvenue.jpg)
ABOVE: This large vacant warehouse sits directly in the middle of what was once a bustling industrial district along Beaver Street, only a short distance away from the current market.  However, unlike the current and proposed locations, a large number of abandoned brick warehouse facilities lie nearby and its visible from I-95, as well as located a short block from I-95's interchange with Church Street.  This site is superior in every fashion to the current and proposed market site.  With JEDC involved and Beaver Street asking for incentives to construct new sheds, that money could go toward purchasing the existing brick warehouse, which already includes covered space, parking areas, land for open air vendors and loading docks for trucks.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/content/view/262

QuoteI'm all for developing the Beaver St corridor. There are a number of historical buildings on and around Beaver that have heaps of potential. Maybe we could enlist the Peyton Mafia for assistance.

We're on the same page.  Even when we pushed for relocation, we never wanted to see it taken away from the Beaver Street industrial district. 

QuoteIf you want something to die somewhere else, fine. But the Farmers market thrives where and how it is. Leave it alone.

Clustering and better connectivity makes things succeed.  If you think the market is successful now, you'll be shocked with the level of success it can have if it became a part of a "market district".  When the market asked for assistance from the JEDC to help fund new sheds, that was our opportunity to lay the foundation for what could have grown into a "district".  Shortsightedness, took that opportunity away.  Now that the public investment has been made, its better to attempt to make the best of where its at.

Sorry, I wasn't lurking MJ at the time. I was going by what the local media was reporting as the "alternatives". There are many out there who think just because something is working in one place and this other place (that they want to do well) we can just smash the two together and voila! ::) You usually just end up doing irrefutable harm to both.

I know that wasn't what you were suggesting lake, but I did think so at first (sorry).

Lake, in theory you may be onto something.  I share your dream for such a district.

But I am not sure your designated site is actually more connected than the present one for the Farmers Market.  Your site is in in the midst of a much larger industrial area with lots of big open spaces around buildings for trucks coming and going.  I don't see the same building density indicated in your photos of other cities.  Most of the buildings themselves are relatively small.  Sizable residential areas are many blocks away cut off by the sprawling industrial sector so I don't think you have any real connectivity there.  Likewise, it doesn't appear to be very conducive to pedestrian or bicycle traffic.

As to redeveloping surrounding buildings, food distributors and manufacturers today need large buildings, lots of refrigeration, and very high sanitation - all of which are usually cost prohibitive to retro fit into these old buildings while passing ever stricter codes and standards.  If it's restaurants or boutique food establishments, they may have similar problems, albeit they might have an easier time with the smaller scale.   Regardless, the distances between buildings, the missing connectivity to residential areas, and the interweaving of remaining heavy industry would appear to discourage anything along the lines you suggest unless a total area redevelopment plan was implemented with a lot of new infill buildings to increase the density.  After the LaVilla fiasco, I wouldn't sit around waiting for that. 

At the present Farmers Market location, it is in the midst of a relatively small industrial footprint focused mostly in a straightline up and down Beaver Street.  Importantly, as you move into the area behind the northside of Beaver Street, it is high density residential.  This residential area is vast, under-retailed, and extends all the way down Beaver Street and Kings Road to Edgewood picking up areas like Woodstock and Paxon.  A bonus is the Stockton Street connection one block west that goes into the heart of Riverside/Avondale.  There is some connectivity (no doubt it could always be better) to these areas with sidewalks, buses, bicycles, and lots of streets funneling into that area of Beaver Street including Commonwealth and Broadway (whose terminations feed into Robinson which, conveniently, comes out at the traffic light with the Farmers Market).  These area residents provide a core clientele for the FM and find it quite convenient.  I see crossing the Beaver Street viaduct as a psychological impediment to such locals akin to getting people at the Beach to cross the inland coastal waterway bridges or getting Arlington and Southside residents to cross the bridges into downtown.

As for development, not to be overlooked, there are lots of food related businesses in the area including Condaxis Coffee and Tea, Beaver Street Fisheries, Preferred Freezers, Good Times, Premier Foods (for now defunct), White Wave Foods, and Load King (it makes stainless steel equipment for the food industry).  There are a number of buildings in the immediate area, especially on the north side of Beaver, that could accommodate the additional restaurants, etc. you envision if they were more appreciated for their potential (after all, there are no restaurants of note from Downtown to Edgewood on Beaver Street, some 5 miles of a 4 lane highway, with thousands of surrounding residents.  Talk about a missed opportunity!  Of course, a rebuilt Beaver Street wouldn't hurt.)

To sum it up, no location is perfect, but the current one works pretty well even if it's not so obvious why.  It has a good balance of superior connectivity to the neighborhood as things presently stand and to the greater North Florida and South Georgia area with the nearby I-95 and I-10 exits vs. available alternatives for the foreseeable future.  The proof is in the pudding - the Farmers Market, and even its surrounding area, seems to be up and coming.

I'd explain the reason behind my relocation madness in graphics, but I'm in Orlando right now with no access to photoshop.  In any event, you make very good points about the potential of the current location and Beaver Street corridor (west of the viaduct).  In my previous thinking, I put more importance on the building density along Myrtle and the visual proximity to I-95 than the residential community immediately north of Beaver.  As far as connectivity to the DT core, I think this can eventually be achieved if the farmer's market area became a west terminal stop for a DT streetcar system.

While I don't think the Beaver Street corridor is up and coming, at this point, it does have potential if the market could be better integrated.  When I get back to town, I'll add a few graphics to explain what's floating around in my head.

I have always loved the farmers market it is so much fun you can find all kinds of vegetables and fruits that I had never heard of.  I have been going since I was a child and passed that experience on to my children.  It really is a great place it could use some more publicity and should expand where it is.  I did like the idea to bring it on the Northbank but I guess some saw to many dollars for that site. v

Btw, JTA's system redesign includes extending the Beaver Street PCT Trolley to provide service to the Farmer's Market.  That's a pretty good idea, imo.

Quote from: thelakelander on March 02, 2009, 11:05:26 AM
Btw, JTA's system redesign includes extending the Beaver Street PCT Trolley to provide service to the Farmer's Market.  That's a pretty good idea, imo.

(http://www.jtafla.com/Graphics/Schedules/Trolley/BeaverStreet/BeaverStreet.jpg)

Beginning Tuesday, May 5th, the FREE Beaver Street Trolley will be stopping every 50 minutes at the Beaver Street Farmers Market, Monday through Friday, except holidays.  If you work Downtown or have visitors in the hotels, you need to get them to ride this service (did I say, its FREE!) to the Farmers Market.

Here is the link to JTA for the current map and schedule: http://www.jtafla.com/Graphics/Schedules/Trolley/BeaverStreet/BeaverStreet.pdf  Look for an update by Tuesday, May 5th, the inaugural day of the added service  (per the Financial Daily News & Record).  [/b]

Support the service, or, as you can see in the article below, it may not be sustained!:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=52199&text=trolley&type=thisexactphrase

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Quote04/17/2009

JTA curtailing Trolley service May 4
by Max Marbut

Staff Writer

People who ride the JTA’s Laura & Ocean Trolley to get to points from the FCCJ-Rosa Parks bus station to the Courthouse Annex on Bay Street and back again to the station will have to find a new means of transportation effective May 4.

That was one of the announcements made Wednesday at Downtown Vision, Inc.’s quarterly operations meeting.

Regional Transportation Planner James Boyle of JTA said the level of ridership doesn’t warrant continuing to offer the service. He suggested that after the service ends those who have been using the trolley should take the Skyway to Hemming Plaza and then continue on foot to their destination.

Midday service on the Bay Street Trolley that serves the parking lot at St. Andrews Station near the Arena will also be changed. The trips per hour will be reduced except during the peak morning and evening periods.

Describing those two changes as “the bad news,” Boyle announced that discussions are underway with interests in Springfield to inaugurate trolley service between Downtown’s core and UF Shands Hospital. If it’s eventually approved, service to Springfield won’t begin until sometime next year when the Main Street construction project is completed, said Boyle.

Also in the “good news” department, Boyle said the Beaver Street Trolley route will be expanded May 5 to include the Beaver Street Farmer’s Market.

Too bad, Boyle wasn't annoucing the funding/construction of a streecar line!

Too bad it doesn't run on the weekends.. I'm sure I'm not the only one working Mon-Fri.

An FYI, the Jacksonville Farmers Market just finished widening a third aisle to add more parking and they covered another couple of acres with asphalt millings to expand the wholesale and farmer's truck and trailer areas.  Looks like lot's more farmers with the expanded space.  Try and catch most of farmers in the first half of the day most days as they sell out and go back to the farm.

Saw some new plant vendors including one selling grape vines and another is back with live chickens and goats!.  As usual, a packed Saturday today.

Just saw some publicity that the Jacksonville Farmers Market is featuring a celebration tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 AM to 2 PM called Fresh Food For Families. Apparently, they are kicking off that some participating vendors are now taking food stamps and credit/debit cards.

For the first 750 families buying at least $10 at the Jacksonville Farmers Market with food stamps, they are giving away a free bag of sample produce.