The Lake Andes Farmers Market held their first market of the season this past Tuesday, June 18th. The farmers market is sponsored by the Lake Andes Food and Wellness Council. The Lake Andes Food and Wellness Council was first able to begin this community program through a Connected Community grant.

There were several vendors there for the first farmers market of the season including SDSU extension, LSS, the Donut Department, Leah Antelope, Food and Wellness Council and 4H. Becky Beeson as the SDSU Extension Family and Community Health Educator was there doing a rhubarb tasting. As there were no vegetables yet, the Food and Wellness Council was there with information about the organization and to sign up future vendors. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Charles Mix and Douglas counties was on hand with information about the older adult resource network. The 4-H kids were available to do face paintings. Leah Antelope was on hand with her homemade goods.

Typically, there are about 25 people who attend the weekly farmers market, but this past Tuesday saw about 51 people in attendance. The goal of the farmers market is the desire to introduce people to fresh produce and to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. The Food and Wellness Council would love to see local small businesses and entrepreneurs as vendors selling an array of products. There is a one-time vendor fee of $10 for the entire farmers market season. The Food and Wellness Council does all the advertising and promoting of the farmers markets and there are picnic tables available for use at the Lake Andes City Park shelter.

Over the course of the next several weeks, Food and Wellness Council Chairman, Mary Jo Parker says there should be radishes, peas, onions and farm-fresh eggs available for sale at the market.

The farmers market is able to take both cash and SNAP cards when it comes to buying fresh veggies. The Lake Andes farmers market will be held every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Lake Andes City Park shelter. If interested in becoming a vendor please contact Mary Jo Parker on the Lake Andes Food & Wellness Council’s Facebook page, stop into the library or come to the next farmers market.