East Central Indiana’s Natural Heritage Market – Farmer Run Farmer’s Market

From two to six tents line Walnut Street facing traffic. Many people come to this farmers market to socialize as well as shop. Conversations about local politics and organic food in the city of Muncie can often be heard. This market is small and many people know each other.

This picture looks southeast from the corner of Walnut and Charles. Parking exists along the street, though many customers travel by foot or bicycle. This farmers market makes use of a rarely used city half block.

This farmers’ market was started because of consumer demand for a market that has only local products and where farmers use organic or non-toxic/natural growing practices. It is very informal in the respects that there is no set-up fee for vendors, customers and farmers call each other by name, and farmers can respond more directly to consumers’ requests due to its small size. There are currently about six farmers and a few occasional craft vendors selling at this market. Advertising is done primarily by e-mail list and by word of mouth.

This farmers’ market is located on the south side of downtown Muncie on the vacant grassy lot on the corner of Walnut and Charles Streets. This event takes place Thursday evenings from 4pm until 7pm from May to October. This empty city block is surrounded by buildings that are slowly being renovated. It is too early to tell what kind of effect the revitalizing downtown and this new farmers market will have on each other. This market is currently in its second year.
This farmers’ market is attractive to farmers because they have more of a voice in how the farmers’ market is regulated. One drawback is the lack of a dedicated or paid administrator to coordinate its promotion. Because of the small size of this farmers’ market, some farmers do not make as much money as they would at a larger market. One farmer noted to the contrary, she made more money in less time at this market as opposed to the larger Minnetrista Farmers’ Market.

Farmers and other vendors are limited to the sale of locally grown food and crafted items. Products cannot be resold. All food products must be grown as certified organic, certified natural, or have the administrator’s approval as being grown in a manner that is compliant or exceeds certification standards. This market is farmer run, but may hire a non-farmer administrator as it grows. No extended season exists.