The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Market supports local businesses
Lorain County Community College’s Farmers Market was in full swing July 19, providing locally grown produce and featuring local businesses.
“The market’s prime goal is to support the Commodore Cupboard,” said Kaitlyn Swartz Americorps VISTA for the cupboard. “We provide an open pantry for students who are in need of food assistance. It allows students to be provided for in that regard so they can focus on other aspects of life.”
Swartz said the local vendors at the market fund the cupboard by participating.
“The vendors at the market donate money for setting up a tent,” she said. “The money goes directly to the Commodore Cupboard. The vendors then keep the profits they make. It is a win-win situation for both parties.”
Swartz said the market is open every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. until Aug. 16.
“There are a variety of different produce and beauty product vendors,” she said. “We have local growers of produce. We also have a vendor selling homemade crafts. It really is a good variety and balance of different items. It’s also great that it’s mostly local.”
Chris Wojciechowski, CEO of Wojo’s Produce in Avon, said he uses the market as an avenue to sell his produce.
“We grow everything from eggplants, zucchini, summer squash and more,” he said. “It’s great to have the opportunity to come here and sell the produce. We do really well and sell out consistently. We’re thankful to the community for coming to us for produce.”
Diane Nott, of Elyria, who set up a table for her business, called Squeaky Knitting Designs, said she goes around to different markets and shows.
“I work in the college’s cafeteria, so this is something I kind of do on the side,” she said. “The business features my love of pets. I have knitted hamsters, pet hammocks, and wooden dog tags I made using the laser cutter in the college’s Fab Lab.”
Deb Bryan, of Elyria, was at the market to showcase her business, Fruit Bat.
“We sell real fruit juice that can be added to smoothies and things of that nature,” she said. “There are no artificial flavors; this is 100 percent juice. This is the first time I am showing the product, but people have really enjoyed it so far.”
Alex Dick, of Elyria, said she saw advertising for the market and decided to come out.
“It is really neat to see all the vendors out here,” she said. “I bought some jams that are going to be really delicious. I’m very surprised by what they have over here.”
Tyler Rutherford, of Elyria, said the market is a great way to support local growers.
“It is important to help the local economy when you can,” he said. “This market allows me to do that. Walmart can be a draw for people, but I encourage people to come out to markets in the summertime.”