National Farmer’s Market Week: Fresh Food Near You

Celebrate National Farmer’s Market Week by shopping from your local farmer vendors.

Cookeville Codes Director Jeff Littrel said the trend of fresh,local food has made farmer’s markets grow in popularity.

“I think the public in general is looking for home grown produce,” Littrel said. “So, they can see where it is coming from and meet the farmers and see how they take care of their produce and livestock. I think it is a national trend.”

The Cookeville Farmer’s Market has 74 seasonal vendors selling their goods. Littrel said having a wide range of farmers willing to share their produce and meat is key to the cities successful market.

“Farmers from surrounding counties also come here,” Littrel said. “They have to get a permit just like the Putnam farmers. So, we get a good supply of things coming in. When you drive by the market on the weekend, it is full with farmers and customers.”

161 farmer’s markets are listed on the Pick Tennessee Products website and mobile app to find fresh food near you. Cookeville’s market is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., but most vendors wait to sell on the weekend.

“A lot of times we have seasonal permits, where people just grow pumpkins, watermelons or tomatoes,” Littrel said. “They may still have a permit but only sell at certain times of the year.”

To become a vendor, you must get a letter of recommendation from your county extension officer. He or she must verify that you are farming in that area. Bring the letter to city hall in Cookeville to get your permit. The permit is currently free to get.