Buying Local: Columbia’s Farmers Markets
There’s something special about waking up early and visiting your local farmers market on a Saturday morning — but there’s also something special about sleeping in on Saturday morning. Lucky for Columbia, we have several markets offered during the weekend and throughout the week, which means you can still get your local goods if you’d rather snooze.
Heading over to the Columbia Mall to get fruits and vegetables doesn’t seem like an obvious choice, but on Saturday mornings, the parking lot in front of Sears takes on a new feel. Tents and tables filled with fresh produce, hand-crafted items, honey, baked goods, meat and eggs, plants, and more are available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from mid-April through the end of October. The market takes cards or cash, so there’s no need to make a trip to the ATM beforehand.
The Columbia Farmers Market is a larger scale market that focuses on engaging all members of the community. CFM has created a variety of programs to support community members, such as SNAP and WIC Match and the Double Up Food Bucks, which can be exchanged for eligible items from vendors. Kiddos can become Good Food Detectives by completing “cases” that allow them to learn more about fresh produce and the farmers who provide it. Good Food Detectives can earn “Munch Money,” which can be spent on market snacks. In addition to the typical meat and produce, you can find yarn, blade-sharpening, art, goat cheese, flowers and wreaths, handmade lotions and soaps, artisan breads, jewelry, and so much more.
Market Hours:
The ARC – 1701 West Ash
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Now through November 18.
Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Now through October 25.
Forum Christian Church – 3900 Forum Blvd
Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Now through October 26.
Thanksgiving Farmers Market – Parkade Center
Tuesday, November 21, 3 to 6 p.m.
Winter Market – Parkade Center
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Dates to be announced.
Orr Street Farmers and Artisans Market
Located at Wabash Station downtown on Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Orr Street Farmers and Artisans Market features jewelry, art, produce, and crafts. You can often catch live music and a snack at the Ozark Mountain Biscuit Truck while browsing the available goods. This market, located in the North Village Arts District, welcomes well-behaved dogs on a leash so that you can bring your entire family.