LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Lima Farmers Market kicked off its season Saturday with more than 40 vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods and locally crafted products.
The market, now in its third year at the campus of the University of Northwestern Ohio, continues to grow as a destination for shoppers seeking locally sourced food and handmade items. Students from Ohio Beauty Academy were also on hand during opening day to provide some beauty services for guests while they browsed the market.
Vendors offered a wide variety of products, including honey, hanging baskets, baked goods and other homemade items. Local food trucks were also part of the event.
“Everything at our market is completely local, home grown, homemade. We ask all our vendors to do everything themselves. So, everything that you're getting is truly being created by the person selling it. It's a great opportunity to learn more about where your food's coming from, the process behind making it. Just an all-around great opportunity to have access to local food options," says Madelyn Downing, Manager, Lima Farmer's Market.
The market also continues efforts to improve access to fresh food for residents participating in food assistance programs.
“So, we're accepting a couple different things this year. The SNAP and EBT program we're still accepting those. Stop by the market booth to grab your tokens and then we have the incentive program for that called Produce Perks where for every dollar they spend on their snap card, they receive an additional dollar. That program's actually being sponsored this year by Cenovus and Activate Allen County. So, we're really grateful for them allowing us to continue offering that program,” adds Downing.
The Lima Farmers Market will be open every Saturday through Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon in the 1300 block of Cable Road next to the UNOH Racers Station. Organizers encourage visitors to follow the market's Facebook page for updates on upcoming special events.
