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Get fresh in Millwood

Song Moua of Lylo's Garden in Otis Orchards puts freshly picked beans into a plastic basket at last year's Millwood Farmers' Market. (File / The Spokesman-Review)
Valerie Putnam Correspondent
Song Moua of Lylo's Garden in Otis Orchards puts freshly picked beans into a plastic basket at last year's Millwood Farmers' Market. (File / The Spokesman-Review)

Opening for its second season on Wednesday, the Millwood Farmers’ Market promotes eating fresh while supporting the local community.

“When you buy things at the market you directly support local farmers,” said Craig Goodwin, Millwood Presbyterian Church pastor. “This supports our local economy. I think that is significant.”

Starting Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m., and continuing weekly until Oct. 1, count on farm-fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted goods to line the church parking lot, 3223 N. Marguerite Road.

Though it only has one season under its belt, the market shows substantial signs of growth. On opening day last year, 13 vendors sold their wares. This year, more than 32 vendors are committed to sell their goods and fresh produce.

Customers can choose from new products such as pork, chicken and fresh eggs as well as last year’s staples: locally raised beef, seasonal vegetables, honey, flowers, pastries, unique sauces and handmade goods.

The church also plans to sell burlap coffee bags from Thomas Hammer Coffee at its community booth. The bags will sell for $2 with proceeds going to support Coffee Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps coffee farmers in Latin America improve their quality of life by creating education, health care and other community programs.

This year, the church planning committee worked with the state to participate in the federally funded WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Farmers’ Market Nutrition program. WIC supports low-income women and children who are at risk of not getting proper nutrition. Fresh fruits and vegetables will be available to WIC participants.

Energizing the shopping ambience, the market features live local music. Opening day Aaron and Antonio and the Afterthoughts will perform bluegrass and fiddle music starting at 4 p.m.

The market got its start last year thanks to the efforts of Goodwin and the Millwood Presbyterian Church who collaborated with local farmers and businesses to offer the weekly venue. The church continues to host the event.

Goodwin is working on relocating the market.

“We’d like to eventually move to Marguerite to take advantage of the shade provided by the trees,” Goodwin said. “This would be helpful during the hot days of summer.”

Traffic access on Marguerite from Euclid and Dalton Avenues would be blocked during market hours. The church must secure a special permit from the city of Millwood, which requires a 90-day waiting period. Goodwin does not foresee any change until early August.

For a complete listing of vendors and performers, visit www.millwoodmarket.org.

If interested in becoming a vendor, an application can be downloaded from www.millwoodmarket.org or picked up at the church’s office, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, 924-2350. For more information on the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition program, contact the Department of Health in the Office of Community Wellness and Prevention, (800) 841-1410, or www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/farm.HTM.