EAST LANSING, Mich. — The 2016 season of the East Lansing Farmer’s Market (ELFM) kicks off on Sunday, June 5. The 2016 season will run June 5-Oct. 30 on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court.
The ELFM brings fresh, farm-grown Michigan produce and products to the region and more than 1,000 visitors each week. As a growers-only market, ELFM vendors are required to grow their own produce and/or make their own products. The ELFM tagline says it all: “100% Homegrown Makes Us Different.”
This year’s vendor lineup includes a great mix of returning and new vendors. The 2016 vendors include Applegarth Honey, Corrion Farms, Droscha Sugarbush, Jenny’s Sweets & Treats, Owosso Organics, Pregitzer Farm Market, Rasch Orchards, Spartan Country Meats, Spoonful of Granola, Stone Circle Bakehouse, The Country Mill, Titus Farms, Wildflower Eco Farm, The Cheese People of Grand Rapids, The Local Epicurean, Simpatico Coffee, Coon’s Berry Farm, Trillium Wood Farm, MI Ice Pops, Beagle’s Café & Bakery, Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery, Good Eats Diva, Michigan Donuts, Wooden Shoe Herb Farm, Tomac Pumpkins, Rust Belt Roastery, Harris Blueberries, Small House, El Burrito and 45th Parallel Pickle Company.
Live musical performances take place at the market each week from 10 a.m.-noon and noon-2 p.m. Opening day performances will include Solace at 10 a.m. and Pat Trommater at noon.
“We hope community members will regularly visit the ELFM on Sundays throughout 2016 season,” said ELFM Market Manager Heather Surface. “The market is a great place to meet up with friends and neighbors, enjoy time outdoors in a beautiful park setting and buy fresh Michigan produce and products from local farmers and producers.”
Free Reusable Bag Giveaway, Ringing of the Market Bell on Opening Day
The ELFM will give away FREE reusable shopping bags to the first 150 customers on opening day. In addition, the ELFM will hold a special ringing of the "market bell" to celebrate the start of the 2016 market season at 10 a.m. with East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows. Members of the media are welcome to attend.
SNAP/Bridge Card & Double Up Food Bucks Benefits
The ELFM accepts SNAP/Bridge Cards at the market and allows EBT-eligible customers to stretch their dollars with the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program. As a result of a grant from the Fair Food Network, the DUFB program "matches" SNAP/Bridge Card dollars spent at farmer's markets. Customers will receive a dollar for dollar match (up to $20) that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Michigan. For example, if a customer spends $20 on their SNAP/Bridge Card, they would receive an extra $20 to spend.
Community members can learn more about the ELFM at www.cityofeastlansing.com/farmersmarket.