2021 Columbus farmers market round-up

One unique aspect about this market is that patrons can shop in-person, preorder and pickup on site.

“The Clintonville Farmers' Market is unique in that there are many ways to shop with us,” Michelle White, executive director of Common Greens, says. “Customers can shop on-site like at a traditional market, preorder and shop online in our virtual market store or preorder and select curbside service, which means they can stay in their vehicle while a volunteer collects their order.”

Throughout the pandemic, the Clintonville Farmers Market has managed to stay open through the launch of its online store. 

“The most challenging part about running the market during a pandemic is the constant pivoting,” White says. “In the span of about two months last year, we had to find a new location, launch an online store, rework our budget and educate our producers and shoppers how everything was going to work. Our part-time staff and volunteer board of directors have continued to work tirelessly to ensure we maintain a safe venue to perform our essential function: connecting local food producers and shoppers.”

The Olde Pickerington Farmers Market has been operating since 2013 with now more than 45 vendors. The market showcases fresh, local produce from the community. 

In recent years, the Pickerington Farmers Market has added live music, electric for vendors, accessibility for patrons with mobility challenges and more. Throughout the pandemic, the farmers market provided business for many of the local vendors that participate. 

“I think the biggest COVID challenge for me is the planning aspect,” market manager Kate Hinterschied says. “Things can change so rapidly, and we really don't know exactly what the upcoming months will look like. We have learned to be flexible and so have our vendors. They have been great about doing what needs to be done so we can keep going in a way that keeps the community safe. I truly think that our vendors are what make us unique. They are so talented and we have such a wide variety of items. Every week is a little different so there is always something new to discover.”

One attribute of this market is its focus on local produce to promote healthy living.

“It is the mission of the Granville Farmers Market is to support a healthy diet through fresh, nutritious, local and seasonal foods,” says Steve Matheny, the executive director of the Granville Chamber of Commerce. “We do this by creating a direct outlet for local growers and home-based artisans who bring a diverse assortment of healthy, fresh, and local foods, produce, and high-quality handmade goods and make them accessible to all of Granville’s residents and visitors. This serves to support sustainable agriculture as well as the health and economic well-being of our community. We also seek to be a landmark destination and community gathering place.”

Throughout the pandemic, Matheny says that the Granville Farmers Market has maintained social distancing and related safety measures.

“Accordingly, we have found it necessary to de-emphasize and discourage some of the normal lingering and socializing that many folks enjoy most when attending the Market,” Matheny says. “This has perhaps been our greatest challenge and adjustment during the pandemic. That said, we are looking forward to improving conditions and hopefully a return to more ‘normalcy’ in the near future!”