Image extracted from: City of Pittsburgh Website

Have you been to any of our city’s farmers markets? If not, you don’t know what you’re missing. For those looking for fresh produce in Pittsburgh, there’s a wide range of options where the average urban resident can be transported to a rural community just by going to one of the many farmers markets that our city has to offer.

We have already talked about the concept of food coops and the close relationship that food can have with community. Farmers markets are another perfect example of that – these stem from the simple notion that a farmer that grows what he eats, will gather around others to sell whatever was produced in excess.

Of course, today’s farmers produce to sell, but the power of such a successful community initiative can’t be denied. Each day of the week in the city of Pittsburgh, and in many others across the country, farmers gather to sell high quality produce, promoting family-owned businesses, low prices, sustainability, and community building.

The chair of the Farmers Market Coalition Definition Task Force, in interview to the Farmland Report talked about the importance of farmers markets. According to Cole, “we now generally see the vast ill effects of our past food systems and I think at some level we understand that individual choice and control (versus corporate control) is required to create the healthful checks and balances needed in a complex and thriving society such as we enjoy.”

Pittsburgh farmers markets provide farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods to us city residents. Some locations also sell flowers, small gifts and gardening items.

If you want to support local producers and enjoy the fresh produce and the power of community initiatives, check out one of Pittsburgh’s farmers markets. The Post-Gazette has an interactive map where you can find the farmers market that is closest to you.

Also, check out the quotes from our friends that love farmers markets.

“I love my market, Farmers@Firehouse, for many reasons.  The food is raised locally and organically and is delicious. The mkt has very high standards for the produce growers—certified organic or Certified Naturally Grown so I know the food is being raised in a way that’s good for us, the environment and the producers themselves.  Meat producers are also held to a high standard so I know the animals are being treated humanely and not fed antibiotics/hormones. There is a wonderful sense of community at our market—the producers are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable and will always talk to customers. I also get to chat with regular customers every week and catch up with friends who come to shop. We have chef demos every week which always attract a crowd.  It’s a really great market and I’m so happy we have it.”

Susan Barclay
Mildred’s Daughters

“Great place for a date!”

Jordan Kay
BloodhoundBranding

“I think one of my favorite things about farmers markets (as well as CSA’s) is that they feel neighborly.  It’s a space where you rub shoulders with folks from the neighborhood.  Folks you may or may not otherwise run into.  And even if I don’t end up talking much to anyone, I feel like I’ve participated in something filled with good energy and good people.  No to mention the fresh food, of course. I used to sell vegetables as a farmer at the East Liberty market.  Now I manage a farm cooperative called Penn’s Corner.  Though we don’t sell directly through farmers markets, we do find ways to make food a neighborly endeavor.”

Neil Stauffer
Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance – click here to subscribe!