Benton Harbor Farmers Market starts next week

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Benton Harbor Farmers Market will return for its 14th year supporting local vendors and promoting fresh produce on Wednesday, June 19.

The market will be every Wednesday through September 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park located at 127 E. Main St. in Benton Harbor.

Organizers say the market offers residents access to fresh locally grown and affordably priced fruits and vegetables.

The weekly summer event also supports food assistance programs, including SNAP benefits, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, Senior Project FRESH and Corewell Health Lakeland Prescription for Health.

“Every summer, we look forward to hosting the Benton Harbor Farmers Market and providing community members with an easy and convenient way to get fresh produce, check out locally made handcrafted treasures and participate in various activities,” said Market Coordinator Carla Smart-White. “We are excited to see our community come together each week this summer for this fun and popular event.”

Benton Harbor Farmers Market is still searching for vendors.

Organizers say there are no vendor fees, and vendors are welcome to join week by week throughout the summer as they have goods available.

The market welcomes five vendor types:

• Agricultural: Vendors with fresh produce, including those who grow, raise or harvest products like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and poultry, honey, grains and other crops.
• Value-added food: Vendors selling prepared foods made in a licensed facility or covered under cottage food laws.
• Artisans: Vendors who create and design handcrafted products like jewelry or artwork.
• Activity volunteers: Organizations or individuals who lead hands-on activities at the market.
• Educators or information providers: Organizations or individuals who provide a service or demonstration of educational value. 

A 10-foot-by-10-foot space will be given to vendors to display their goods.

Vendors should plan to bring their own equipment for their booth, including tents, tables, chairs, tablecloths, etc.

Vendors who are interested are encouraged to review the Benton Harbor Farmers Market Vendor Handbook and reach out to Carla Smart-White at [email protected] or (269) 927-5637.

You can also go to the Berrien County Health Department website to learn more about the market and how to become a vendor.