Photo by Lynne Deliman
The Robinson Farmers Market is held every Monday form 3 - 7 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Church parking lot on Steubenville Pike.-FRESH PRODUCE-
The promise of fresh produce, meats and local handicrafts make a trip to the local farmers market a fun and tasty summer destination.
In the Gazette 2.0 coverage and nearby areas, there are a variety of weekly markets featuring regional farmers and area crafters.
While some of the area markets accept food stamps, some also welcome incentives provided to lower-income seniors and WIC recipients.
Qualifying applicants can receive four, $6 farmers market vouchers through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. An application can be made through the Allegheny County Office on Aging.
Here’s a short list to get the summer market season kicked off right:
MONDAY
Robinson Farmers Market
Leave ‘Fido’ home
On Mondays from 3 to 7 p.m. at the former Holy Trinity Church parking lot, 5718 Steubenville Pike, the Robinson Farmers Market takes place. The Robinson market has prepared foods, crafts and fresh produce from Jodikinos Farm based in Clinton and Quiroz Family Farm based in Salem, Ohio, who accept food stamps and Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Fresh meat and dairy can be purchased from Barberry Farm in Sewickley.
There are 34 vendors participating. Event planners request that market attendees leave dogs at home.
Location: 5718 Steubenville Pike, Robinson
WEDNESDAY
Bellevue Farmers Market
Tobacco a no-no
The Bellevue Farmers Market is held at Bayne Park, 34 N. Balph Ave., Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 26. The market has multiple vendors that accept SNAP/EBT. Promoted by Bona Fide Bellevue, the market also offers a 1-for-1 Food Assistance Match to qualifying residents in the 15202 ZIP code.
Vendors include Haffey Family Farm, Pond Hill Farm, Sturges Orchard, among others. No tobacco products are allowed at the market at any time.
Location: Bayne Park, 34 N. Balph Ave., Bellevue
Moon Market
Food trucks, too!
Moon Market takes place on Wednesdays through Sept. 28 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The market is held at St. Philip's Church in Moon Township, at 1629 Beaver Grade Road. The market is a “traditional producer-only market,” which means, “all vendors must grow or make at least 75% of their products for sale.”
According to Lauren Madison, with Moon Parks and Recreation, Simmons Farm based in McMurray is the main produce vendor. Sweet Pickins Plants and Produce will also offer produce. The market offers a wide variety of products, including eggs, farm-to-table meats, prepared foods and crafts. Food trucks are also in attendance.
Typically, 20 to 25 vendors rotate from a pool of 40 total, Madison said. They do not accept food stamps or Farmers Market Nutrition vouchers.
This is the first year the Moon Market will be located at St. Philip’s Church. Last year it was located at Moon Park, but Madison said vendors complained the kiosks weren’t “accessible” enough. She said the new venue has been very successful.
Location: 1629 Beaver Grade Road, Moon
SATURDAY
Sewickley Farmers Market
Through Thanksgiving
Now going into its 18th season, the Sewickley Farmers Market at St. James Church of the Divine Redeemer Parish is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 19. The local farmer and merchant market features items from Dillner Family Farms, Meadow Sweet Apiary, Snappy’s Taphouse, Coyne Family Farms and much more. No early birds and event organizers ask that pets be left at home.
Location: 200 Walnut St., Sewickley
SUNDAY
Carnegie Farmers Market
Live entertainment
On Sundays starting July 10 through Aug. 28 and Sept. 11 through 25, the Carnegie Farmers Market is open from noon to 3 p.m. The market will be set up on East Main Street between Mary and Broadway streets. Carnegie Farmers Market accepts food stamps via their Fresh Access program. There will be a Fresh Access tent set up at the event. Participant Oakville Farms, based in Avella, participates in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Sewickley’s Barberry Farm sells fresh meat and produce. The market lists 64 vendors in total including vendors selling crafts, and prepared food along with live entertainment
Location: East Main Street, Carnegie