The Saturday Chelsea Farmers’ Market opens Saturday May 3 from 8 a.m.-noon at a new location adjacent to Palmer Auto at 222 South Main St.
The market runs through October.
For more than 20 years, the Chelsea Farmers Market has brought high-quality food and artisan products to the Chelsea community.
The markets have invested in a market food demonstration station to support monthly educational events, as part of a grant through the Michigan Economic Development Council.
“We’re excited that the future farmers market is taking shape, and we will be testing out new programs and design ideas this year. Part of this plan includes expanding the market space to 35-40 vendor spots and increasing programming, like walking group meetups and healthy food demonstrations,” said Ashley Miller Helmholdt, market manager.
The Saturday market has 23 full-season vendors this year.
Returning are:
- Beverly’s Crafts and More
- Chandra June
- Fresh Coffee Roasting
- Greystone Creamery
- H & H Sugarbush
- Heim Gardens
- Kapnick Orchards
- La Baguette
- Mama Mofoods
- Merkel Gardens
- Myers Blackberry Farm
- Ruhlig’s Produce
- Stone Hearth Breads & Bakery
- Tantre Farm
- Zatkovich Pastures
“We also have several new vendors excited to join us this year,” she said.
New are:
- Bordine Farms
- Fairview Studios
- The Granola Tree LLP
- Country Hills Pottery
- Renovatio Woodworks
- Goetz Farm and Greenhouse
- Two Track Acres
- Debbie’s Bead Designs
“Our customers know that after visiting our Market they will eat well-rounded, healthy, fresh meals all week, supporting Michigan farmers in the process,” she said.
The market offers seasonal vegetables and fruits of all types, meat and poultry, eggs, honey, maple syrup, coffee, a wide variety of breads, bakery items, herbs and nuts. Prepared foods include hummus, cheese, and nut butters and granola.
Organic and naturally-grown offerings are also available.
Hand-crafted artisan products include jewelry, knit items, yard art, wood crafts, pottery, soap 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 Wednesdays, which allows Bridge Cards to be used at the market information table in exchange for Bridge Card Tokens to purchase food items.
The markets will also 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,” said Miller Helmholdt.
The markets 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 chronic illness patients, 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.
Want to know what to expect each Saturday? Send an email to [email protected] to join the Market email list. “The Market makes for a great community gathering space,” said Miller Helmholdt.
Chelsea MOPS will again sponsor the Children’s Booth the second Saturday of each month, and area nonprofits and local musicians will be at the market to entertain you while you shop.
The Chelsea Farmers Market is always looking for volunteers for assistance in running the market. If interested please contact [email protected].
If you’d like to donate to the farmers market programs, please click here to join the Friends of the Market program.
