Fresh cucumber and yellow squash are available for purchase at the South Valley Farmers Market. PHOTO PROVIDED
Beginning in 2016, local farmers, food producers and consumers started something new in Cottage Grove. From late spring to early fall, South Valley Farmers Market is a place where residents of Cottage Grove, Creswell, Pleasant Hill and the surrounding communities can congregate and enjoy sustainable and organic agriculture in Southern Lane County.
Every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 7th and Main Street in Cottage Grove, fresh organic vegetables, fruits, meats, baked goods, fermented foods and handcrafted products are available for purchase, without the increased costs of grocery stores. Coffee, tea and herbs are also available, as well as plants and veggie starts for backyard gardening. Upcoming produce includes tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, blueberries and garlic. Fresh lamb, organic pork and local honey will also be available.
With children’s programs, plans for live music and a variety of local vendors at every market, customers have a lot to look forward to each week.
Returning this season for the second year, South Valley Farmers Market is offering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to assist low-income families by furthering their dollar and making healthy food choices an attainable goal. SNAP-Match not only benefits families seeking healthier lifestyles, but also increases produce sales for local farmers and keeps more food dollars within the community.
To take part in SNAP-Match, shoppers should visit the South Valley Farmers Market information booth. Customers who buy food using their Oregon Trail Card at the market receive a price match up to $10 to spend on fresh produce. South Valley Farmers Market is also a great place to spend Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition Program Checks for WIC benefit recipients.
SNAP-Match relies on federal funding, fundraisers and donations from organizations like Trillium Healthcare, South Valley Farmers Market and the Willamette Farm & Food Coalition. Customers can also take part in this amazing program by purchasing South Valley Farmers Market tote-bags at the information booth to help those in need. For more information about SNAP-Match and the Willamette Farm & Food Coalition, visit WillametteFarmandFood.org. Upcoming South Valley Farmers Market vendors and produce information is available on Facebook.com/FarmersOnMain.
Buy local, eat local, stay local. The next South Valley Farmers Market is on Thursday, July 26.
