Farmers Market celebrates 25 years
Representatives from the Logan County Food System Initiative have announced this week the creation of the 501c3 non-profit organization that merges passionate community members from the Logan County Farmers Market, the Indian Lake Farmers Market and LCFM Online Virtual Market.
Now more than ever, local food advocates expressed gratefulness for the community’s support of the resources and products of local producers.
“A year ago, our nation discovered the truth of how essential local farmers are in our day-to-day lives,” said MacKenzie Myers Fitzpatrick, LCFSI food system coordinator.
“Through this discovery was the birth of LCFM Online, a weekly/monthly virtual marketplace providing local producers with an avenue of distribution to our community with safety and health as a top priority.”
LCFM Online created growth and expansion to the already existing efforts in food access and education.
Indian Lake Farmers Market, hosted on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. outside of Lakeview Hardware from Memorial Day to Labor Day is now entering its third season. Support has been received from Mary Rutan Foundation, Lakeview Hardware, and Logan County Department of Job and Family Services to continue the young market, Myers Fitzpatrick said.
Additionally, the Logan County Farmers Market — conducted Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to noon from May to September — is celebrating its 25th year in existence. The market is offered in the parking lot across from the post office in downtown Bellefontaine.
Market Manager Lisa Engle is entering her fourth season with the market, specializing in the incentives programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Double Up, Power of Produce, “Going Green”, WIC and more.
Looking ahead, the LCFM is expanding volunteer opportunities on a weekly and monthly basis as well.
“This launch into the 25th season is welcomed with our full merge of projects to enhance our on and off-site efforts to share food knowledge with the community while we continue to foster a sustainable food system for our community,” Myers Fitzpatrick said. “Of course, this is all made possible by the impact of our local sponsors.”
LCFSI received funds in 2020 from the Operation Round Up Grant from the Logan County Electric Cooperative to send one farmer through a statewide mentorship through OEFFA.
Small, local businesses have provided support of local food access in the community, including the teams at Logan County Solid Waste Management District, Community Health & Wellness Partners of Logan County, 7Thirty8 Apparel, The Photo Booth, Hi-Point Graphics, Duff Quarry, Brewfontaine Premier Events, WPKO, Quest Federal Credit Union, Native Coffee Co., Tanger’s Furniture, Bellefontaine Dental, and others who have donated their time, money and other resources to the efforts, the food system coordinator noted.
The organization hosted its annual vendors meeting Tuesday evening as well. For more details about the meeting, the work of LCFSI, and the ways to get involved, visit www.locofood.org.