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Change of scenery

The South Lansing Farmers Market has changed locations. Formerly held at Grace United Methodist Church on Mt. Hope Avenue, the market has moved into the parking lot of St. Casimir Church (800 W. Barnes Ave.) in the heart of the Moores Park Neighborhood. The South Lansing Community Development Organization, the nonprofit that organizes the market, recently moved its office into the St. Casimir building.

Year-round markets

While summer is peak farmers market season, several Greater Lansing farmers markets are now operating year-round. The Holt Farmers Market and Allan Street Farmers Market operate through the winter in their indoor spaces, and their markets spill out into the parking lots during warmer months. The Bath Farmers Market and Meridian Township Farmers Market both meet in outdoor spaces through the summer — James Couzens Memorial Park and Central Park, repectively — then retreat to indoor locations for the colder months.

More payment options

Local markets are adding more options for low income families. Dimondale Farmers is now accepting Bridge Cards, and Dansville Farmers Market is participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program this year.

Bowing out

After nine years, the Old Town Farmers Market is calling it quits. The Old Town Commercial Association tried to change from a monthly market to a weekly market last year, but flagging interest led to a cancellation of the program. Rhea Van Atta, former market coordinator and owner of the Old Town General Store, is hoping to fill the void with summer “Local Goods Markets” hosted by her shop. Details to be announced later.

Stepping in

Lansing’s NorthWest Initiative, a nonprofit taking a multi-pronged approach to improving life in Lansing, is getting into the farmers market game this year. The group will host monthly markets in Lansing’s Ferris Park. Northwest Initiative’s programs also include youth engagement, emergency food distribution, health services and educational programs.

Other changes

Heather Surface joins the East Lansing Farmers Market as market manager this year. Surface has worked for East Lansing since 2012 as environmental stewardship coordinator.

Charlotte Farmers market has added a second day this year; the market will be open on Thursday this year as well as Saturday.



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