Gray skies, wintry precipitation and rapidly changing temperatures may make you yearn for spring and summer – and fresh vegetables. They can still be obtained – at least the fresh vegetables can.
Area farmers, bakers and artisan crafters moved indoors in December and are selling their products at the Winter Farmers’ Market inside the St. Mary’s School gym, 323 Vermont Ave., every Saturday through March from 9 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the nonprofit Grow Oak Ridge organization, customers can shop in person, or choose curbside pickup or home delivery through its Market-To-Go program. Customers who have Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can purchase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) tokens, which will be doubled up to $20 for added purchasing power at the market.
The indoor market offers locally grown cool season produce like kale, spinach, lettuce, gourmet mushrooms and even some locally grown tomatoes. Photos taken at last week’s market showed microgreens, carrots and squash, as well. The market also carries free-range eggs, pasture-raised meats, tilapia, local honey, artisan breads, pastries, unique handmade bath and body products, and handmade gifts from local artisans.
And if you’re really just yearning to get out of the house for a few hours – the market has a free children’s program, Nourish Kids Club, which offers kids 2 to 12 a veggie tasting, a fun activity, and $5 in Produce Bucks to spend at the market. And while the kids are doing their thing, you can listen to the live entertainment performed by local musicians.
Winter Farmers' Market underway in Oak Ridge – Oakridger
