Rockmart Farmer’s Market continues as summer winds down
Between new sponsors, new produce, and new vendors, the Rockmart Farmers Market is changing nearly every day.
It’s been half a year since the last formal market update, and Executive Director Shonna Kirkpatrick shared some insight into what customers should be looking forward to heading into the fall season.
“It’s the dog days of August, and okra is abundant,” Kirkpatrick said. “This time of the year, harvests get a little wonky, and sometimes farmers need a break to prepare for the fall abundance.”
Not all crops can survive summer’s heat, but patrons can still find tomatoes, cucumbers, muscadines, sweet potatoes, green beans, peppers, eggplant, watermelon, honey, and much more. Farm-raised meats are always ready, and sweets, jams, and jellies are abundant. Vendors sell their goods every Thursday from 2 through 6 p.m. on Rockmart’s Water St.
Patrons can also still take advantage of the double SNAP feature. The Rockmart Farmers Market
will double EBT up to $50, so those in need can leave with double the food for half the cost. Tokens can be collected by visiting Kirkpatrick or another employee at the venue’s front table
Aside from food, the market has seen an explosion in their sponsor count. Floyd Medical Center currently sits as the only major sponsor, but many smaller, local businesses have offered funds towards the market.
Businesses Now and Then, Chick N’ Scratch, Triangle Foods, Soli’s, South Marble Coffee House, and Dallas Chiropractic Life Center can all be thanked for the increased size, productivity, and relevancy of the farmers market.
“Most of our expenses are covered from the vendor fees and that kind of stuff,” Kirkpatrick explained. “About a fourth of our expenses have to be raised from the community at large.”
While most farmers markets have an entity overseeing them and supplying funds, Rockmart’s does not. Operating at its own standalone business puts a financial strain on
the market that can be overcome only through community and sponsor support.
“Without sponsors, none of this would exist,” Kirkpatrick said of the market. “Our farmers wouldn’t be able to afford the fee. We’re at $15 (per week) and we can’t really go up anymore. It would hurt the farmers.”
Sponsors are still being accepted, and those interested in can visit rock mart farmers market. com/find-us/ to contact Kirkpatrick. Only two major sponsors will be accepted at any given time, and the business must promote healthy living and community improvement to be accepted.
“If you’re a business, you’re being seen by a very diverse, unique demographic in Rockmart,” Kirkpatrick said of the sponsorship.
Late summer and early fall also mean warmer dishes, and the recent cooking classes are focusing on spicy soups and rice dishes. Those interested in learning the ins and outs of cooking can consider visiting rock mart farmers market. com/upcoming-classes for more information.