PELL CITY, Ala. — A community staple for 15 years, the St. Clair County Farmers Market now offers shoppers a new and unique experience: the chance to arrive by boat. The market is now in its new location at Lakeside Park and welcomes visitors every Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m., June through September. This scenic venue, along the shores of Logan Martin Lake, allows visitors to pull up in their boat or personal watercraft to buy locally grown produce, fresh eggs, local honey, organic dog treats and more. Shoppers can also enjoy special events throughout the summer, featuring free treats like watermelon, tomato sandwiches and strawberry shortcake.

15 Years of Serving the Community

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s office in St. Clair County has been instrumental in the market’s success since its beginning. Former County Extension Coordinator Lee Ann Clark, who now serves Extension as the region’s assistant director for field operations, saw a need to bring local growers and the community together. The farmers market has grown into a successful venue, benefiting both vendors and community members.

“The market stemmed from a suggestion made back in 2008 by one of our advisory board members who expressed the need for a farmers market in our county,” Clark said. “I pulled a committee together and sought advice and direction from John Willoughby, an expert with the Alabama Farmers Market Authority, and the rest is history.”

Children’s Veggie Bucks Program

Cindy Harper, a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) agent, brings a mix of nutrition education and engaging activities to the market each week. Harper has worked with the produce vendors to introduce the Veggie Bucks program. This program is designed to encourage healthy eating habits among children. Children can take part in a nutrition education activity and earn $3 in Veggie Bucks. They can then redeem them for fresh fruits and vegetables from participating vendors.

“The goal of the Veggie Bucks program has always been for children to understand where the food they eat comes from,” Harper said. “I love how excited the kids are when they come to show me what they bought. One may try a new vegetable while another chooses cucumbers every week.”

Connecting Seniors with Fresh Produce

The market is also part of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program provides qualifying seniors with vouchers to buy fresh, locally grown produce. This provides access to nutritious food, while also supporting local farmers. The St. Clair County Extension office has helped approximately 200 qualifying seniors complete the SFMNP application.

“We are happy to help them with what has put nearly $10,000 worth of vouchers to buy fresh, locally grown produce in their hands,” Clark said.

Community Programs and Involvement

Other programs from Alabama Extension also contribute to the market. Local 4-H participants have hosted successful fundraisers to support their educational activities and community projects. The Master Gardener program has held its annual plant sale at the market, with proceeds helping them maintain community gardens. These efforts enhance the market experience and reinforce the market’s role as a hub for community engagement and support.

More Information

To learn more about nutrition and physical activity, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com. There, you can find valuable resources, practical advice and insights to support your wellness journey.

For those looking to connect with others interested in a healthy lifestyle, consider following Live Well Alabama on social media. Their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms offer a space to share experiences, find inspiration and join a community focused on well-being.