Farmers Markets that are focusing on locally grown food are becoming even more popular in the South Plains.
The West Texas Growers and Producers Association, otherwise known as WTGPA, now has three markets in the area. One is the Wolfforth Farm Fresh Market. Anywhere from 10 to 30 vendors sell fresh produce that they grow themselves.
“We’ve got to remember that our local farmers feed us too. There’s little farms around the area that grow and feed the people in our local community. If you don’t support us, then we can’t support and feed you, so look and shop for local growers. Support them and help them out,” says Lucinda Mann, who is the Farmers Market Manager with the WTGPA.
Right now, there is a variety of veggies in season that you can find at the market such as black-eyed peas, squash, okra, onions, garlic, and zucchini. You can also find a selection of baked goods. The market was started in April and it’s open every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“This was an opportunity to get more fresh produce out there during the week. It was during school time when we started it. Moms could stop by on the way home from picking their kids up from school. People could stop by on their way home from work…just a little more convenient for some people,” Mann says.
The market is located at the corner of FM 179 and Main Street, across from City Hall in Wolfforth. There is such a big amount of produce right now, that they are looking for another location to do a Thursday market at. Mann says the WTGPA wants to give farmers more opportunities to sell their products, but also to offer the community another chance to buy fresh food.
The WTGPA also puts on the West End Farmers Market along with another one in Levelland. Both of these are open early on Saturdays.