Michigan Products Journal

Tucked away along the banks of the Flint River, just off I-475, you'll find fresh food and friendly people at the Flint Farmer’s Market. If you go on a Saturday (the market is also open Tuesdays and Thursdays), expect to stick around for a while, and bring a healthy appetite – as there’s freshly prepared sandwiches and hot food available at many of the vendors, and at Steady Eddy’s Café upstairs. The market consists of an outside row of open-air stalls, selling mostly fresh produce and specialty items, as well as an enclosed shed, where many of the more permanent vendors sell everything from baked goods, fresh meats, handmade soaps, coffee and so much more. The Uptown Reinvestment Corporation assumed management of the Farmer’s Market 3 years ago, and has since made improvements to the facility along with more promotion of the Market.

When we went a few Saturdays ago, it was a beautiful July day and the Market was full of people. Down the open-air stalls, we picked up some fresh cherries and raspberries, and found The Bathing Boutique that sold soaps and bath bombs. Terri purchased 3 soaps to try, and got a free bath bomb. Inside the enclosed part of the market, we browsed the vendors while walking down towards the Market Bakery. Outside, the music of Trish & Ron entertained some children who were enjoying a family day at the Market. Upstairs from the bakery is Art At the Market, a gallery that features “more than 34 artists from throughout Genessee County”. Back inside the Market, you’ll find long-time local companies such as Country Home Creations and Fireside Coffee, as well as relatively new vendors like Rosencrantz Herbfarm, and Hampshire Farms (who make wonderful mini carrot muffins, only $1.00 for 4!).

Selected vendors at the Flint Farmer’s Market participate in a program sponsored by the State of Michigan called Project: FRESH. The program was started in 1986 as “an initiative to use farmers’ markets in Michigan to make fresh produce available to low-income, nutritionally at-risk consumers”. Recent numbers reveal that over 29,000 Michigan residents on WIC were involved, as well as 530 Michigan farmers. While we were there, we noticed many vendors proudly displayed their participation in the project.

Also to be found at the Market is the Flint Institute of Arts Museum shop, their temporary shop while their Museum location is being renovated, and the Bloomindeals Resale Shop located in the basement level. The Flint Farmer’s Market is an excellent place to take the family for a fresh taste of Michigan. Expect to spend some time browsing, meeting the vendors, and grabbing a bite to eat... and expect to return soon.