By Sherry Larson
The Adams County Farmer’s Market is back this Saturday after a brief hiatus during the Fair.
With all the “Poopy” stuff going on out there – wouldn’t it be nice to treat yourself to some fresh and locally grown meat, produce, honey, or eggs? Maybe grab a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, a loaf of bread – or herbal tea and essential oils.
Anna Adams, Market Manager, said the new location at 923 Sunrise Avenue in West Union has been great. The space offers opportunities for more vendors and loads more parking. She said, “The customers are really enjoying that.” Adams realizes that the decision to move from the courthouse square wasn’t popular with everyone, but as their services became more limited, the vendors came to see the need to relocate.
Adams credits Deb Ryan, Coordinator of Adams County Creating Healthy Communities, for helping the Farmer’s Market thrive at their new location. She’s also thankful to the County Commissioners, past and present, for their continued support.
Creating Healthy Communities focuses on giving Adams Countians healthier alternatives. One goal is to improve access to healthy food. Ryan said, “Helping the Farmer’s Market in their production and more opportunities for customers fits right in.”
After completing a local foods assessment and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis and examining food banks in early 2025 to better determine Adams County’s food culture and environment, area agencies concluded there was a gap in the offering of fresh farmed food.
Ryan saw the need for the Farmer’s Market to have new and stronger promotion. Her agency secured funding for new signage and a tent for the new location.
Additionally, two high schoolers, Calen Vogler and Lauren Shreve, have been instrumental in taking turns working the market on Saturdays and taking over the Market’s social media. Adams said, “They’ve been a huge help to me this year – they are great kids.”
Creating Healthy Communities has also been active in the Peebles “Pop-Up” Farmer’s Market. The community in Peebles is currently working on establishing a market in their area.
Adams is working on it and hopes the Market will be able to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits soon. The ability to receive SNAP helps people with low incomes purchase healthy food.
Support Adams County Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. -noon. We all want to live in thriving communities. What a great way to support healthy food economies that connect us to the land and our neighbors!