Our Mission
Creating a growing community. Connecting consumers with quality local products.
Our 2008 By-Laws
Our 2008 Rules
W.I.C. Program
For ecologically/health-minded women and children on fixed incomes, Chillicothe Farmers Market gladly accepts W.I.C. coupons. For more information on the WIC program, check out this site (http://www.rosscountyhealth.com
/famhealth/wic.html)
Every Saturday.
May ~ October
A Brief History: Chillicothe Farmers’ Market, Story of Revitalization
A place to buy and sell food is essential to the survival of a community. In 1803 land was given, by the City, for the construction of a market house in the middle of Paint St. This operation grew so that the location was changed to Market St. in 1805 to relieve congestion. Though some type of Market has existed most of the intervening years, a demand for local and safe food products resurged in the late 1990’s. In January 2002 a group of interested citizens met for lunch and decided the timing was right to reorganize Chillicothe Farmers’ Market.
Farmers, business operators, government representatives collaborated to develop rules and by-laws. The Chillicothe Gazette raised excitement by reporting every step. In July 2002 the Market opened in a downtown parking lot with 15 members. Each year the success of the Market has grown. With over 35 vendors and a bigger location the growers Market provides the best of local produce, meat, plants and baked goods each Saturday morning between May and October. Our vendors enjoy discussion with buyers and are anxious to bring a product which meets the needs of the public. Enthusiasm, education and social gathering spots are all part of what makes Chillicothe Farmers’ Market unique.See you Every Saturday, from 8 am ~ Noon, at the Ross County Service Center.
Benefits of Shopping the Chillicothe Farmers Market:
Southern Ohio is fortunate to have a variety of farms that provide high quality products. Maintaining family farms is a challenge in our global economy. Consumers that value fresh food and a working landscape should support local produces. Here are some of the reasons.
- Locally grown food tastes and looks better. The crops are picked at their peak and have not been sitting in warehouses.
- Local food is more nutritious. The shorter the time between farm and your table the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost.
- Local food preserves genetic diversity. Smaller farms can grow a variety of products without worrying about shipping time and shelf life. Many unique and heirloom seeds can only be sold grower to consumer.
- Local food is safe. Local farmers take pride in the product and hope that the customer will return each week. We are not anonymous and take responsibility seriously.
- Local food sales supports local family. Often wholesale prices are near the price of production. By cutting the cost of the middleman and producer receives a better return which helps keep families on the farm.
- Local food builds community. Local vendors often share stories, recipes and information which helps you, your children and your grandchildren learn about nature and agriculture.
- Buying locally cuts down on pollution by reducing the miles reliance on imported foods, which are often shipped or flown from foreign countries.
- Local food benefits wildlife. Well-managed farms conserve fertile soil and clean water in our communities. Meadows, woods, fields and ponds provide habitat for wildlife.