Print
E-mail
Comment
Doubling the market days
 |
| Some growers, like Cas Vanwoerden of Animal Farm in Cat Spring, Texas, try to have representation at as many local farmers markets as possible. As one involved in Houston Farmers Market since its start in 2003 at the Onion Creek location, he has noticed how demand for food grown organically and sustainably has grown and shifted. Over time, for example, his regular client base has shifted from being comprised of mostly restaurants to residents who frequent an increasing number of farmers markets in the area. |
Houston Farmers Market has added a second day —and venue.
The decision to double up was driven by growing interest by consumers for locally grown food and by farmers following organic and sustainable practices wanting to have a presence at local markets, said C.J. Claverie, HFM manager.
To accommodate both interests, Houston Farmers Market added a Saturday event, held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Greenbriar Drive and University Boulevard, across from Rice University.
Meanwhile, the Tuesday market continues to run from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lot south of the stadium. (The hours will shorten to 6:30 p.m. with the end of Daylight Savings Time.)
The new location is adjacent to a grassy vacant lot, where a pumpkin patch will likely rise this weekend, she said.
As the weather gets better, people might spread a picnic blanket on the grass or play with dogs up for adoption at the Market, she noted in remarks e-mailed.
Claverie also observed how the Market’s sales have continued to increase in the midst of recession, unrelenting bad economic news and fluctuations in gas prices, and despite an increase in the number of farmers markets in the area.
The market continues to see more first-time customers as well as a solid base of regular customers, Claverie and vendors said.
“I think the message that including a stop at the farmers market as part of Houstonians' shopping routine is sinking in,” she noted.
“ And with all these markets it has become more convenient for consumers to find a local market not too far from their home. The markets take on a neighborhood feel that you don't usually find in a big city farmers market but what you might find in a small town. Neighbors run into neighbors.”
For a list of participating vendors, visit www.farmersmarket.rice.edu.
By CYNTHIA LESCALLEET
clescalleet@hcnonline.com
The decision to double up was driven by growing interest by consumers for locally grown food and by farmers following organic and sustainable practices wanting to have a presence at local markets, said C.J. Claverie, HFM manager.
To accommodate both interests, Houston Farmers Market added a Saturday event, held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Greenbriar Drive and University Boulevard, across from Rice University.
Meanwhile, the Tuesday market continues to run from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lot south of the stadium. (The hours will shorten to 6:30 p.m. with the end of Daylight Savings Time.)
The new location is adjacent to a grassy vacant lot, where a pumpkin patch will likely rise this weekend, she said.
As the weather gets better, people might spread a picnic blanket on the grass or play with dogs up for adoption at the Market, she noted in remarks e-mailed.
Claverie also observed how the Market’s sales have continued to increase in the midst of recession, unrelenting bad economic news and fluctuations in gas prices, and despite an increase in the number of farmers markets in the area.
The market continues to see more first-time customers as well as a solid base of regular customers, Claverie and vendors said.
“I think the message that including a stop at the farmers market as part of Houstonians' shopping routine is sinking in,” she noted.
“ And with all these markets it has become more convenient for consumers to find a local market not too far from their home. The markets take on a neighborhood feel that you don't usually find in a big city farmers market but what you might find in a small town. Neighbors run into neighbors.”
For a list of participating vendors, visit www.farmersmarket.rice.edu.
By CYNTHIA LESCALLEET
clescalleet@hcnonline.com
Submit a Comment
|
You must be logged in to post a comment.
|
Not yet a registered member?
Click here to become one. Comments to stories and articles on the Web site are not edited or pre-approved before appearing online. Readers posting comments are solely responsible for those comments. Comments must be germane to the story to which they apply. Online comments that are libelous, profane or personally attack another site participant can be reported as abuse using the link provided on each comment. Comments reported as abusive will be reviewed and may be removed from view, as will off-topic comments. BE CIVIL. Individuals continually posting abusive comments to the site may have their registrations revoked. |
