One great way to get healthy food for your family and to support the local economy is shopping at local Farmers’ Markets! It’s also a great way to meet other people in your area!
According to the website, Independent We Stand, “If every family in the Akron metro area spent just $10 a month with a locally-owned, independent business instead of a national chain, over $22,992,350* would be directly returned to the Akron community. That means better schools, better roads, more support for police, fire and rescue departments and stronger local economies.”
I’ve recently started shopping at the Haymaker Farmers’ market. Since I’m not originally from the area, I (sadly) hadn’t actually heard of it until this summer. Once I started going, I haven’t missed a single weekend. Not only do they have fresh organic fruits and vegitables, various vendors offer cheese, pasta, baked goods, jams, and even fresh made lemonade and live local music! Last time I went, I had one of the juciest peaches ever. The food is fresh and delicious, and you can get to know the people who are growing, handling or making your food – not something you can ever do at a large chain grocery. And, coming from a college student who only really works part-time, it’s still affordable!
I typically spend anywhere from $20 to $40 a week. And come home with at least 1 shopping bag full of goodies!
Tips;
1) Know when the market is open and on what days. -The Haymaker Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday 9:00 to 1:00.
2) Bring a reusable shopping bag – it cuts down on hassle and expense for the sellers, plus who needs more plastic shopping bags anyway?
3) If you want the best selection, get there early!
4) Have fun, talk to the local venders, you’ll learn a lot!
Local Farmers’ Markets;
–Countryside Conservancy’s Farmers’ Markets
–Downtown Barberton Farmers’ Market
Email other markets to AkronPlaneteers@live.com, and we’ll post them too!
Akron Planeteers 
We’re so happy you found Haymaker Farmers Market, and are very grateful for the writeup. Thanks so much – stop by at the market table under the bridge next week and introduce yourself to me, I’d love to say hello in person.
Kelly Ferry
Haymaker Market Manager
Thank you. I just realized, I won’t be there this weekend, because I’ve been called out of town, but I hope to see you the following week!
~Felicia Wetzig
The Haymaker FM has been around for years and it is always nice to hear of folks who are attending it for the first time. Not only is fruit and produce available, but prepared foods and there is even a fellow who will sharpen your knives and tools! It is one of the few “sharp Markets” around!