Benton Harbor Farmers Market Open For The Season

farmersmarket3
farmersmarket3

Now open for the summer each Wednesday is the Benton Harbor Farmers Market. The Berrien County Health Department’s Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the market is to be held each Wednesday through September 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She says the department is excited for this year’s program.

“We have a new pavilion structure that the city has erected for us there in City Center Park, and we have a record number of vendors who will be participating in the market, some new vendors coming to the market that we haven’t had before,” Conrad said.

There are locally-produced fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams and jellies, and even meat for sale at the market each week. Conrad says Benton Harbor has a particular need.

“It is something that we historically knew that there was a need for increased access to healthy and fresh food, especially within Benton Harbor. Within the city of Benton Harbor, it is considered a food desert.”

Also taking place at the farmers market this summer are children’s activities like games and crafts, cooking demonstrations by a dietitian, and a YMCA cardio dance class. The Berrien County Health Department also allows people to use Bridge Cards, Senior Project FRESH benefits, and WIC Project FRESH coupons. You can find out more at the Facebook page of the Benton Harbor Farmers Market.