Farmers markets add value to vendors and shoppers alike
Yes, pools and parades signal the start of summer, but so do farmers markets here in Butler County.
The first Butler City Farmers’ Market of the season took place Saturday morning, May 25, at its 205 S. Chestnut St. location.
The market operates from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays through October, with booths selling vegetables, baked goods, meat, handmade items and more.
While perusing the market on Saturday, several Butler County residents had positive remarks about the market.
Larry Sassone, of Butler Township, said he goes to support local people and meet the people behind the products he buys.
This coming weekend, Cranberry Township’s farmers market will begin. Its market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 4 at the township municipal center’s rear parking lot.
Meanwhile, Slippery Rock’s market has been underway since earlier this month. It kicked off May 11 and continues through Oct. 5 at Gateway Park. The market runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
According to the Farmers Market Coalition, about 25% of vendors derive their sole source of income from farmers markets, which, even if not true on this scale for Butler County vendors, speaks to the potential revenue a market can drive for vendors.
Likewise, vendors have a positive impact on the community. The coalition reported growers who sell locally create 13 full-time jobs per $1 million in revenue earned. Locally owned retailers like those vendors at farmers markets return more than three times as much of their sales to the local economy as their chain competition.
So next Friday or Saturday, consider swinging by a local farmers market. You’ll support the economy, help a local business and likely bring home tasty food to cook up, too.
— TL
