The local food/sustainable eating movement has been in vogue for a while now, but sometimes it just takes a visit to a good old-fashioned farmer’s market to remember why it became so popular in the first place. The South Bend Farmer’s Market is just that and more. It was my first “Wow” moment here in South Bend, and since that inaugural visit (July 2008, fresh cherries) I’ve been back dozens of times with anyone and everyone who will come with me.
Entrance to the SBFM |
The market itself is indoors (in two big red barns) allowing it to stay open year-round. And stay-open it does, filling the almost 100 stalls with an abundance of produce in the warmer months and stocking local crafts, jewelry, and baked goods in the colder ones. Some of my favorite purchases include donuts from the Polish bakery, sunflowers from the corner shop, peaches in the summer, apples in the fall, the list could go on and on. There’s even a diner with food made from ingredients found at the market (but that’s another post for another time).
Variety of green produce |
I can honestly say it’s my favorite place in South Bend. Because yes, no matter how trendy it has become, eating locally is important. Meeting the people who grow your food is comforting. And supporting the community you live in never goes out of fashion.
Visit the South Bend Farmer’s Market (newly updated!) website here:http://www. southbendfarmersmarket.com/
And then go visit the real thing!
BONUS: This Saturday, August 21st, there will be live music at 10:00am.
Location:
1105 Northside Boulevard
South Bend, IN 46615
South Bend, IN 46615
Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (May-September)
Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (May-September)