By Anna Skinner
A kickoff meeting for new and returning vendors for the Whitestown, Lebanon and Zionsville farmers markets will be held at 6 p.m. March 23 at the Whitestown Municipal Complex, 6210 S. 700 E., Whitestown.
The meeting will allow vendors to come in and ask questions and learn about the Boone Co. farmers markets. There is no cost to attend.
“I think it’s good all the markets are working together to supply the residents in the Boone County with great options,” said Nathan Messer, director of parks and recreation for Whitestown. “I think having three farmers markets this close and able to work together instead of against each other will help each other survive. I’m looking forward to the year starting.”
In addition to representatives from the three markets, officials from FarmersMarket.com, Boone Co. Health Dept. and the Purdue Extension of Boone Co. will be available at the meeting. Items for discussion include Foodlink – a program providing a QR code for shoppers to scan and find recipes for specific produce items sold at the farmers markets – and SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Boone Co. Health Dept. will discuss standards required for vendors operating out of a home-based business and selling items at the farmers markets.
Messer said the meeting would be a great opportunity for residents with hobbies to come out and see what farmers markets are all about.
“It’s just an opportunity for anyone who wants to participate,” he said. “If someone makes bird houses as a hobby or something, they can come out and find out what we are involved with.”
Zionsville Farmers Market
When: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, May through September
Where: Main Street in Zionsville
Whitestown Farmers Market
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 11 to Oct. 15
Where: Whitestown Town Hall
Changes: No market will be held Sept. 17, as that is the Whitestown Brewfest date. This year’s market will be 18 weeks instead of 10.
