Anytime  is a great time to visit your local farmers market. These community hubs provide a host of opportunities to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and crafts, as well as to connect with your neighbors.

There are 60 markets registered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Central Farmers Market registry, so chances are there’s one in your neck of the woods. To find one near you, visit bit.ly/fromthelandofkansas.

Erin Pittinger enjoys spending time at her local farmers markets in Manhattan.

“I love the faces and places represented at farmers markets,” she says. “You get a peek into the lives and livelihood of other families in the area, whether it is the farmers, vendors or your neighbors. And walking away with something fresh at a decent price always feels amazing, too.”

In Pittsburg, Kathy Flora serves on the farmers market board of directors. She and her husband grow and sell heirloom vegetables and herbs at the market. Flora also makes rustic breads, homemade soaps and wine jellies. 

During peak season at the market, Flora says more than 700 people come through and shop at 22 vendor tables. And it doesn’t seem to be losing steam. Flora believes the passion people have for keeping money local and connecting with
their growers has helped.

“It’s rewarding to see someone appreciate your product,” she says.

Julie Roller, KDA agriculture marketing specialist, says farmers markets boost local and state economies, citing Emporia as an example.

“Farmers markets are important to Kansas not only because of the role they play in building community, but also for their economic impact,” Roller says. “Economic models at the Kansas Department of Agriculture estimated that in 2013, the direct sales from the Emporia Farmers Market itself totaled more than $98,000, while its total economic impact in the state of Kansas was more than $176,000.”

Jill Campbell serves as president for the Pittsburg Farmers Market board of directors, and says what the market offers the community is immeasurable.

"We bring a sense of community because we provide a meeting point for shoppers and growers,” Campbell says. “We have things at our market for all ages.”

The Pittsburg Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon through Oct. 29. To learn more, visit their Facebook page.

In Leavenworth, Bill Kromer has served as president on the local farmers market board of directors for seven years. He says the downtown pavilion provides a social gathering spot and an opportunity for education. Its connection with summer campers means youngsters learn how to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. They’ve also developed a program with the local hospital to offer wellness clinics.

“The market has provided a new look into the way people should think about eating and their health,” Kromer says. 

The Leavenworth Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to noon until Oct. 29, and Wednesday evenings through Sept. 28. To learn more, visit www.leavenworthfarmersmarket.com.

In western Kansas, a few Sheridan County Farm Bureau board members discussed creating a market in Hoxie.

“Our board member, Steve Seegmiller, moved here from Missouri, and asked why Hoxie didn’t have one,” Lori Cressler, Sheridan County Farm Bureau coordinator, says. “We decided to try and get one going.”

Grant funding from Kansas Farm Bureau’s Foundation for Agriculture, the local community foundation and a starter kit from From the Land of Kansas™ has helped the market get up and running.

“Our community is very happy about [the market],” Lori says. “We haven’t had one here since the ‘70s, and there’s such an interest in farm-to-plate and getting families connected back to agriculture.”

The Hoxie Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through September. To learn more, visit www.hoxiefarmersmarket.com.

No matter where you live in the state, chances are there’s a farmers market in your area. Take your family and enjoy a few hours connecting with your neighbors, getting some good eats and learning more about your food.

Looking for a fun kids activity based on farmers' markets? Check this out: