Planning meeting scheduled to develop Stafford County Farmer and Art Market

Community partners are working together to develop a Farm and Art Market to serve residents of Stafford County. The market organizational meeting is scheduled for May 22 at 11:30 am at the Stafford County Annex. The meeting is open to anyone interested in being a vendor for the market and pre-registration is required to attend.

Doris Tompkins, Stafford County Health Department, Amy Collins, Stafford County Extension, Carolyn Dunn, Economic Development, and Janel Rose, Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Coordinator are planning the Thursday evening farmers market to be held in St. John. “We want to meet with all parties interested in helping with this process, especially potential vendors” said Carolyn Dunn.

The market hopes to feature a variety of vendors, including fresh produce, fresh plants and flowers, handmade items, art and much more and will kick off in July. It will be held every Thursday, weather permitting. “This will give working individuals the opportunity to buy locally grown produce and shop local retailers” said Amy Collins.

“Having a farmers market also means giving people easier access to healthy foods which is a part of the Health Department’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction work” said Doris Tompkins. “This is a great opportunity to build a healthier community while sharing in local activities.”

At the meeting market needs and policies will be discussed. For more information or to register for the meeting on May 22, call Amy Collins at 620-549-3502 or email acollins@ksu.edu . This is a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Project for Stafford County.