Finding fresh and healthy food in grocery stores for a low price can be difficult at times. Luckily, the Community Farmers Market is here to solve that problem.
The Community Farmers Market gives everyone in Centre County a chance to get local produce at no cost, while supplies last. The State College Food Bank, Faith Centre Food Bank, State College Downtown Rotary Club, the Nittany Mall and Think We Not Me are all teaming up to help the community be happy and healthy.
The market will be held inside the Nittany Mall from 4 to 6 p.m. (or until the produce is gone) on the first and third Tuesday of the month through September.
This is not the first time the Community Farmers Market groups are all joining together. Because of their similar goals, the organization have joined efforts to feed everyone they can.
“We source all of the produce from local farmers and we are thrilled to be supporting them,” said Heather Lee, State College Food Bank lead staff member.
“We are so fortunate to live in an area that is so plentiful for growing, and we value the partnerships that we’ve been able to build with Ardry Farms, Green Heron Farm, Think We Not Me and the RE Farm Café at Windswept Farm.”
Additionally, the Downtown State College Rotary and several private businesses and groups help support this venture through volunteer hours.
With the Community Farmers Market being a successful event last year, organizers are planning to get even more people to attend in 2022.
“I am thrilled that this year the number of market days has more than doubled,” Lee said. “This means we will be able to reach more individuals and families in Centre County.
“Supporting healthy eating with fresh local produce and helping to stretch people’s budgets that are even more impacted this year with the recent increases at the gas pumps and grocery stores.”
The market will be held June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 6 and Sept. 20. inside the Nittany Mall at Entrance B.
“I think, especially this year, we are all starting to feel the impact of rising food costs, and we would like to help lessen that burden if possible,” Lee said. “We hope these events will open the door for individuals who may not have known help was available or how to find it.”
This story appears in the June 9-15 edition of The Centre County Gazette
