SitemapWhen you think of Summer in the Valley you may think of festivals and fireworks, but probably not farmers markets.
With the increase in popularity of movements like 30 mile meal and the Lake to River Food Co-op, bringing local food to local communities has become increasingly popular.
One vendor said it's a way to give back to the community he grew up in. "It's a win win for everyone to not have to travel to Boardman,or Poland. You can come right here on the south side of Youngstown get fresh local food."
This is the third year the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation has hosted the Idora farmers market; bringing local vendors to an area constantly trying to enhance the neighborhood image.
"A lot of these farmers started them from empty lots in the neighborhood," says Market Manager Megan Lamarca. "They saw an empty lot and started making a farm. It shows this is a safe neighborhood, you can bring your kids here there's kids activities."
Over in Trumbull County, The Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership kicked off it's weekly farmers market in downtown Warren. They offer fresh produce,a variety of jams, baked goods, and even activities like yoga and cooking demonstrations. Their message is simply that healthy alternates to everyday food are never out of reach.
"In addition to giving people healthy alternatives to what they can get at some of the stores in their neighborhoods, we want them to be able to buy directly from producers that are from this area," says Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership Executive Director Matt Martin.
Both farmers markets will run weekly, now until early October.
To see the full story from WKBN, click here.