EAST LANSING, Mich. — Opening day of the 2018 East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM) is just around the corner, taking place on Sunday, June 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court.
There will be a special ringing of the “market bell” with East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows at 10 a.m. on opening day, followed by a giveaway of free, reusable ELFM shopping bags to the first 150 market customers. There will also be special birthday treats and other giveaways for customers in celebration of the market’s 10th anniversary. Opening day live music will include Pooh Stevenson from 10 a.m.-noon and students from the MSU College of Music Suzuki Program from noon-2 p.m.
The 2018 season will run June 3-Oct. 28 on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Valley Court Park.
About the Market
The ELFM draws a crowd of more than 1,000 visitors to Valley Court Park each week to shop for farm-grown Michigan produce and products. 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 2018 vendors include: 45th Parallel Pickle Company, The 517 Coffee Company, Applegarth Hone, Beagle’s Café & Bakery, Better Finds LLC, The Cheese People of Grand Rapids, Circle F Ranch, Corrion Farms, The County Mill, Droscha Sugarbush, El Burrito Mexicano, Fire and Rice, For the Love of Grain, The Fresh Lake Whitefish Company, GCC Organics, Guiding Light Garlic Farm, Hickory Knoll Farms Creamery, Jenny’s Sweets & Treats, The Local Epicurean, MI Drinks, Owosso Organics, Pregizter Farm Market, Rasch Orchards, Rust Belt Roastery, Sanctuary Pizza, Sapo De Solis, Simpatico Coffee, Steffey Farm, Stone Circle Bakehouse, Titus Farms, Tomac Pumpkin Patch, Trillium Wood Farm, Wildflower Eco Farm and Wooden Shoe Herb Farm.
Live musical performances take place at the market each week from 10 a.m.-noon and noon-2 p.m.
“The market is a great place to pick up locally grown produce and locally made products, while enjoying a Sunday outing with family and friends in an inviting park setting,” said ELFM Market Manager Karla Forrest-Hewitt. “We are looking forward to kicking off the 2018 season and celebrating the market’s 10th anniversary with the community on Sunday, June 3.”
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 (limited to $20 per market Sunday).
Community members can learn more about the ELFM at www.cityofeastlansing.com/farmersmarket.