Shop Fresh & Local in Henderson - TribPapers
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Shop Fresh & Local in Henderson

Photos courtesy City of Hendersonville.

Hendersonville Shop Fresh and Local in Henderson County: A Farmers Market Guide. Save for your Spring and Summer out and about shopping and meal planning.

The weather is warming, and summer is just around the corner. That means in the next few weeks farmers markets will start popping up around Henderson County.

Why shop at the farmers market? There’s simply no better place to find fresh, local food than at a producer-only market where you can purchase directly from a grower. Shopping at farmers markets is a way to support small businesses as well as the local economy. Furthermore, a trip to the farmers market can be fun and family friendly. Several of the markets in Henderson County incorporate live music, kids’ activities, chef demos, giveaways and special events to keep things educational and exciting.

If local food is important, so is making sure everyone has access to it. The Henderson County Committee for Activity and Nutrition (HCCAN), as part of the community health improvement process, focuses on strategies to make it easier for folks to find and afford local foods at farmers markets. In partnership with Henderson County Cooperative Extension, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and local farmers markets, one way that HCCAN is furthering this effort is through Double Dollars, doubling the value of EBT/SNAP benefits when SNAP recipients buy local fruits, vegetables, and other eligible foods at participating Henderson County locations. “Working together as a community is more important than ever given the far-reaching health and economic effects of COVID-19 on local families.” said Milton Butterworth, HCCAN Facilitator.  “We are excited to offer Double Dollars again in 2021!”

So, whether you’re the type of shopper that shows up with a list or if you’re a spontaneous browser, there are plenty of reasons to grab your reusable shopping bag and visit any of Henderson County’s farmers markets this season.

Saturday Markets:

Hendersonville Farmers Market

Opening Day: May 8, 2021

Hours/Location: Saturdays through Oct. 30, 8am-1pm at the Historic Train Depot on 650 Maple Street (rain or shine)

Website: hendersonvillefarmersmarket.com

SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double Dollars Program

Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm fresh foods and creates a vibrant community gathering space. With more than 30 vendors each Saturday offering produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and more, Hendersonville Farmers Market is a weekly outing with something for everybody. Hendersonville Farmers Market is presented by Pardee UNC Health Care.

Photos courtesy City of Hendersonville.
Photos courtesy City of Hendersonville.

Mills River Farm Market

Opening Day: May 1, 2021

Hours/Location: Saturdays through Oct. 30, 8am-12pm at Mills River Elementary School on 94 Schoolhouse Road

Website: facebook.com/MillsRiverFarmersMarket

SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double Dollars Program

If you are looking for a vibrant, friendly market, the Mills River Farm Market is the place for you. This market is a producer-only market, selling only products raised or produced within 50 miles of the market. Listen to local musicians as you shop the wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and high-quality crafts. Educating the entire family is major push for the market with a fun-filled Kid’s Zone and a Demonstration Kitchen for the adults.

Henderson County Tailgate Market

Opening Day: April 3, 2021

Hours/Location: Saturdays through Oct. 30, 8am-12pm at 100 North King St.  Hendersonville, NC

Website: facebook.com/hendersoncountytailgatemarket

For farm to table freshness look to the Henderson County Tailgate Market for all your produce needs. Fresh picked seasonal vegetables, blueberries, fruit, local honey, cut flowers, plant starts and more.

This rain or shine market has been in operation for 42 years.

 Weekday Markets

Flat Rock Farmers Market

Opening Day: April 29, 2021

Hours/Location: Thursdays through Oct. 28, 3pm-6pm at Pinecrest ARP Church on 1790 Greenville Hwy

Website: flatrockfarmersmarket.com

The Flat Rock Farmers Market is in its 15th season, bringing farm-fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables to the Flat Rock community.  The market is made up of a diverse group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, and merry makers.

Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market

Opening Day: May 5, 2021

Hours/Location: Wednesdays through Oct. 27, 3pm-6pm at Etowah Lions Clubhouse on 447 Etowah School Road