MONROE - Main Street Monroe Farmers Market returns for another season Wednesday.
The Farmers Market will be held on Monroe's Historic Downtown Square from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays weekly through October.
Markets in May will have early produce, flowers, meats, eggs, honey, canned goods and uniquely made crafts.
For the 2016 season, the Monroe Farmers Market had a 56 percent increase in visitor attendance and had a total of 51 registered vendors who reported $149,000 in total sales.
The market prides itself on supporting the local economy with vendors coming from within a 50-mile radius of Monroe to provide the community with locally grown and produced products. As a vendor producer market, the vendors grow, create or add value to the products they sell. Products range from seasonal fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, eggs, honey, jams/jellies, baked goods and unique crafts. Additional food items include Boy Scouts' special grilled cheese sandwiches, cream puffs, burgers and other ready-made food. Throughout this season, the market will have regularly scheduled local live music, story time with Monroe Public Library, offer a frequent shopper program, demonstrations and much more.
The previous season was the first year to offer individuals on the Food Share (SNAP) program the opportunity to redeem benefits at the market. Thanks to donations from the Monroe Clinic, United Way and Monroe Women's Club, this year the food share double dollars program will continue. This program allows food share clients to double purchases up to $25 per transaction. Food share clients needing a ride to the market can have free transportation provided by Monroe Cab. This is made available through a USDA grant.
The Farmers Market will be held on Monroe's Historic Downtown Square from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays weekly through October.
Markets in May will have early produce, flowers, meats, eggs, honey, canned goods and uniquely made crafts.
For the 2016 season, the Monroe Farmers Market had a 56 percent increase in visitor attendance and had a total of 51 registered vendors who reported $149,000 in total sales.
The market prides itself on supporting the local economy with vendors coming from within a 50-mile radius of Monroe to provide the community with locally grown and produced products. As a vendor producer market, the vendors grow, create or add value to the products they sell. Products range from seasonal fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, eggs, honey, jams/jellies, baked goods and unique crafts. Additional food items include Boy Scouts' special grilled cheese sandwiches, cream puffs, burgers and other ready-made food. Throughout this season, the market will have regularly scheduled local live music, story time with Monroe Public Library, offer a frequent shopper program, demonstrations and much more.
The previous season was the first year to offer individuals on the Food Share (SNAP) program the opportunity to redeem benefits at the market. Thanks to donations from the Monroe Clinic, United Way and Monroe Women's Club, this year the food share double dollars program will continue. This program allows food share clients to double purchases up to $25 per transaction. Food share clients needing a ride to the market can have free transportation provided by Monroe Cab. This is made available through a USDA grant.