Farmer’s markets & access to local Food
By Cecilia Garmendia, Board Member
Finding products that come from local farmers or producers involves a real commitment. We all know that the concept of “local” at the big grocery stores is very loose and sometimes misleading. Good news! Buying local is getting easier. Things are changing and now there are more options available to you. First of all, there are more and more farmers' markets happening in the Greater Cincinnati area. Most of them are only seasonal from late spring to early fall but a few are now year-round markets. In addition to that, there are also some options to have local products delivered to your door.
We have put together a list of options to get local products. If we are missing any, please let us know! We love to discover new opportunities to get local food and support our producers.
Year-Round Farmer's Markets
Covington Farmers' Market is open on Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and located at the Butler’s Pantry patio on 50 E. Rivercenter Blvd. Covington, KY 41011
Madeira Farmers' Market is located at 8000 Miami Ave, Madeira, OH 45243. Due to the pandemic, they are operating a pre-paid, pre-order with curbside pickup only. Their outdoor market will begin on May 6th.
Northside Farmers' Market provides items produced within 70 miles from Northside. They are located outside behind North Church on 4222 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223 every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 4 to 6 pm. They accept SNAP. You can also order online to pick up or for delivery.
Northside Farmer's Market is looking to hire an at-market assistant! Click here for more information.
Stores:
ETC Products and Provisions is located in Findlay Market and is open 6 days a week. They partner with local farmers in the tri-state to provide fresh, local products. You can visit them or order online to be delivered to your door.
Wildflower Cafe is located in Mason, OH on 207 E Main Street. Because of COVID, chef and owner Todd Hudson has redesigned the small restaurant into a carry-out store/wine shop. You can order online or by phone. As one of our previous Snail of Approval winners, we are confident in their high-quality ingredients and products. You can also buy fresh produce and other local products. You can visit them, do curbside pick-up, or delivery!
Online:
Market Wagon is an online Farmers Market where producers and farmers list their products for sale and you receive your order delivered to your house. They deliver twice a week, there are no minimums, and you can buy what you need, when you need it. You have access to the farmers' information and you can even contact them directly.
The Organic Farm at Bear Creek, one of our Snail of Approval winners from 2015, has an amazing online store where you can purchase produce, canned soups, salsas, and more.
And don’t forget CSA!
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and it’s a way for consumers to support local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. A good resource to find CSA information near you and all things local is CORV, the Central Ohio River Valley initiative where they connect community members with local growers and fresh, healthy local food. Some of our favorite local producers, like The Organic Farm at Bear Creek, Turner Farm, and Just Farmin', partner with CSA to provide delicious, fresh products. By joining a CSA, you are able to support these local farmers firsthand.
