Eat Well and Live Well by Shopping at a Farmers Market – The Sun Times News

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By Traci Husse and Trevor Sullivan

Among the infinite reasons to enjoy living in and around western Washtenaw County, one of the best is the abundance of local farmers markets. From Stockbridge and Manchester to Saline and Ypsilanti–together covering almost every day of the week–there is always a well-stocked farmers market nearby. 

Most people know farmers markets are filled with local products that are not only fresher and made with greater care than what’s found in a chain store, but also offer more variety in size, shape, color, and flavor. Frequently overheard questions include, ‘What is better than a pint of strawberries picked just this morning?’ and ‘How many blueberries is too many blueberries?’ 

But the role of farmers markets goes beyond dietary nutrition and supporting small businesses. They also serve as a safe and reliable opportunity for neighbors to connect, relax, and recharge. Many of these are filled with music, activities, storytelling, local history, civic engagement, and learning. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to support the growth of farmers markets across the country, “Farmers markets support emotional health by creating a cheerful space where people come together for laughter, fellowship, food, and fun.” 

Some of the best farmers markets in Michigan happen to be right in our backyard: 

Chelsea Farmers Market 

When: May through October Saturdays, 8am-1pm, Wednesdays, 1pm-5pm 

Where: Saturdays at Palmer Commons: 304 S Main St 

Wednesdays at Chelsea State Bank parking lot: 1010 S Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118 

Accepts: SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, FMR, Prescription for Health, Senior Project Fresh, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Bucks 

More Information: https://chelseafarmersmkt.org  

Dexter Farmers Market  

When: Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May through October, Tuesdays, 11am-3pm, June through September 

Where: 3233 Alpine St 

Accepts: SNAP, PEBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Bucks 

More Information: https://dextermi.gov/community/farmers_market.php  

Saline Farmers Market 

When: Summer Market: Saturdays 8am-12pm, May through October, Winter Market: Saturdays 9am-1pm, mid-November through April 

Where: 100 S Ann Arbor Street, Parking Lot #4 

Accepts: SNAP, PEBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh 

More Information: 

https://www.cityofsaline.org/departments/farmers_market/index.php  

Courtesy of Saline Farmers Market Facebook

Manchester Farmers Market 

When: Thursdays, 3pm-7pm, May through October 

Where: Chi Bro Park: 209 Ann Arbor Street 

Accepts: CRC Wooden Nickels, FMR coupons, Senior Market Bucks, Senior Project Fresh, more expected (SNAP, WIC Project Fresh, DUFB) 

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/acornfarmersmarketandcafe  

More great farmers markets to explore nearby: 

Ann Arbor Farmers Market 

When: May through December: Saturdays and Wednesdays, 7am-3pm 

Where: 315 Detroit Street 

Accepts: SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Market Fresh, Senior Market Fresh, Prescription for Health 

More Information: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/farmers-Market/pages/default.aspx  

Dixboro Farmers Market 

When: Fridays, 3pm-6pm, May through October 

Where: Dixboro Village Green: 5221 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 

Accepts: SNAP/ Bridge/EBT/P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks 

More Information: http://www.dixborofarmersmarket.org/  

Pittsfield Township Farmers Market 

When: Thursdays, 2pm-6pm, June through September (and online!) 

Where: 6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 

Accepts: Bridge Cards, P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescription for Health; some vendors accept WIC Project Fresh 

More Information: https://www.pittsfield-mi.gov/760/Farmers-Market  

Stockbridge Open Air Market 

When: Fridays, 4pm-7pm, May through October 

Where: Stockbridge Town Square: 125 S Clinton St, Stockbridge, MI 49285 

More Information: https://stockbridgemarket.org/about/  

West Willow Farmers Market 

Operated by former US Marines, this farmers market is making a big difference in their 

community. 

When: Saturdays, 9am-3pm, June 17 through September 16 

Where: 2057 Tyler Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/WestWillowFarmersMarket/  

Westside Farmers Market 

Visit this market’s 17th season while you taste, shop, and listen to live, local music. 

When: Thursdays, 3pm-7pm, July 7th through October 6th 

Where: Zingerman’s Roadhouse parking lot: 2501 Jackson Road 

Accepts: SNAP/Bridge, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh 

More Information: https://www.westsidefarmersmarket.com  

Whitmore Lake Farmers Market 

When: 1st  and 3rd  Sundays, 10am-2pm, June through October 

Where: 8877 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189, Former WLPS Middle School (temporary) 

Accepts: Senior Project Fresh, more expected (SNAP, WIC Project Fresh) 

More Information: https://www.twp-northfield.org/community_visitors/farmers_market.php 

Ypsilanti Farmers Market 

This farmers market is operated by the nonprofit Growing Hope, an organization that has supported the Ypsilanti community for almost two decades. 

When: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May through October (and online!) 

Where: Freighthouse Market Plaza: 100 Rice St. 

Accepts: EBT/P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescriptions for Health, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Fresh 

More Information: https://growinghope.net/programs/farmers-markets/ypsilanti/  

Additionally, check out these great farm stands nearby: 

Acorn Market and Café (Manchester): http://www.acornfarmersmarketcafe.org/ 

Agricole (Chelsea): https://www.agricolefarmstop.com/  

Argus Farm Stop (Ann Arbor): https://www.argusfarmstop.com/  

Dexter Mill (Dexter): https://www.dextermill.com/  

Jenny’s Farm Stand (Dexter): https://www.jennysfarmstand.com/  

Vestergaard Farms (Ann Arbor): https://www.vestergaardfarms.com/  

White Lotus Farms (Ann Arbor): https://whitelotusfarms.com/