(Chelsea Update would like to thank Ashley Miller Helmholdt for the information in this story.)
To kick off the Chelsea Farmers’ Market and support its programs, Yellow Door will be holding an April 26 fundraiser at BBQ 52, from 9 a.m.-noon.
The Bushel Basket Farmers’ Market opens Wednesday, May 7 from 2:30-6 p.m. May through October. The market is located in the parking lot adjacent to University of Michigan Family Practice center.
“We are pleased to have 15 full-season vendors this year,” says Ashley Miller Helmholdt, market manager.
Returning are:
- Janet’s LLC
- Bunch O’ Pines
- Greystone Creamery
- Kapp Farms
- Lutchka Angus and Farm Market
- Marks Farm and Greenhouse
- The Enrichment Center
- Guthrie Gardens
- Goodtimes Kettlecorn
- Lutz Orchards
- Pregitzer Farm Market
- Golden Fleece Farms
- Mama Mofoods
- Stone Hearth Breads & Bakery
- Needle-Lane Farms
- Kapnick Orchards
New this year are:
- Family Circle Farms
- Kelly Farms Maple Syrup
- 2nd Hand Fancy Crafts
- Cassidy Farms
- Bordine Farms
- Devulder Farms
“Our customers know that our market provides them with the ingredients to make well-rounded meals all week, while supporting Chelsea-area farmers,” says Miller Helmholdt.
The market offers seasonal vegetables and fruits, meat and poultry, eggs, honey, maple syrup, a wide variety of breads, bakery items, herbs, and kettle corn, as well as prepared artisan foods such as hummus, cheese, and rubs. Hand-crafted artisan products include soaps and lotions, candles, baskets, and more.
For the third year, the market will also be offering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at both the Saturday farmers market and the Bushel Basket market on Wednesday, which allows Bridge Cards to be used at the market information table in exchange for Bridge Card Tokens to purchase food items.
We are also thrilled to participate in the Double Up Food Bucks grant this year at both markets with the support of the Fair Food Network.
“This program doubles the number of tokens for purchasing Michigan grown produce for Bridge Card customers, doubling their purchasing power and increasing vendor sales. We’re proud to offer this service to the community,” says Miller Helmholdt.
The market will also be hosting the Prescription for Health program run through the County Health Department. This grant is a partnership between Faith in Action, U of M Family Practice Center and the county.
The overall purpose of the Prescription for Health (PFH) program is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among patients with low income, and to build capacity of clinics to expand the traditional medical model to include the food system.
This year, the market expects to hold at least three nutrition education events, including a “Vegetable Varieties” demonstration of veggies and dips for kids, a “Fruit Reboot” demonstration of diabetic friendly fruit desserts, and a “Healthy Heart” demonstration of recipes to reduce blood pressure. Chelsea Community Kitchen and Chelsea Community Hospital staff will lead all demonstrations.
Also new this year is a Move More at the Market walking group sponsored by the Chelsea Community Hospital Walking Program.
Patrons may also receive weekly emails about the coming week’s vendors, products, and events.
To start receiving these, send an email to [email protected] to join the market email list.
The Bushel Basket Market is also looking for volunteers to assist in running the market. If interested, please contact [email protected].
If you’d like to donate to the farmers’ market programs, please join our Friends of the Market program by clicking here.
