The only midweek farmers market in the Columbus area opens for the season Wednesday.
The Cummins Midweek Farmers Market, which has operated since 2010 and opens for the season Wednesday, is open to the public — although confusion in the marketplace has held down the number of shoppers, manager Carolyn Kissel said.
It will operate at the Irwin Plaza, 500 Washington St., from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 10.
Cummins has other markets that are exclusive to employees, but this one isn’t one of them, she said.
The market is part of a larger push toward environmental sustainability, Kissel said. The food sold at the market comes from farmers within 25 miles of Columbus.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables will be sold at the midweek market, in addition to a variety of meats including beef, chicken and lamb. Desserts made from the produce, such as pie or jam, will also be available.
“You’re keeping it within the community, giving it back in the community,” Kissel said. “It’s about eating clean and eating healthy.”
A growing number of farmers markets are operating this year, where consumers can purchase fresh, locally sourced products.
A new market that debuted this year is operated by Flintwood Wesleyan Church, which will be open the first Saturday of every month through October. It began May 5.
Shoppers are invited to the church grounds at 5300 E. 25th St. from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6.
The new market is part of a larger fundraising plan for Flintwood Wesleyan Church to improve facilities and expand community outreach, market organizer Kim Rutan said.
The market features a variety of vendors selling crafts and other handmade items, Rutan said. Organizers are considering adding available fresh produce in the future.
“I hope that the products that are there are things that the community will be able to use and benefit from,” she said. “But also the funds raised from it will help us improve our facilities and outreach programs.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Farmers market schedules” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
- Flintwood Wesleyan Farmers Market: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., first Saturday of each month, through Oct. 6, at Flintwood Wesleyan Church, 5300 E. 25th St.
- Cummins Midweek Farmers Market: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays beginning this week, through Oct. 10, at Irwin Plaza, 500 Washington St.
- Columbus Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturdays through Sept. 15, on Brown Street, between Fifth and Eighth streets.
- Farmers Market of Hope: 5 to 8 p.m., first Friday of the month, June 1 through Oct. 5, at Hope Town Square.
- Columbus City Summer Farmer’s Market: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturdays from June 2 to Sept. 19., at FairOaks Mall, 2380 25th St.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
