Michelle Stouffer has come to the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market since she was a little girl. But these days the 35-year-old mother brings her own children to shop for fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, organic meats, and hand-made goods.
“I come now because I like to get home grown veggies and support our local farmers,” Stouffer says, as her son Gabriel studies the eggs on display from Crane Dance Farms. “It’s good to keep the money in the state.”
The Fulton Street market, located in the Midtown neighborhood near the intersection of Fulton and Fuller, is perhaps the mother of all farm markets in the central city. Operating since 1922, it’s certainly one of the oldest. And with a length of about 1,000 feet and some 50 vendors on the busy days, the market features everything from flats of flowers and hanging baskets to locally grown fruit and leafy greens. Eggs, chicken, and beef also are typical staples.
The market typically opens in May. But business really begins to pick up in early June, when crates of hand-picked strawberries are so densely packed on display that they look like a sea of red jewels rivaling the beauty of nearby fresh-cut flowers. The season runs until Christmas, so shoppers can also find wreaths, trees, and other holiday items.
The market is open from 8 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Mid-morning on Saturday is typically the busiest time. Shoppers will find much more than just fruits and veggies. Regular products also include seasoned oils for dipping homemade bread, beaded purses and jewelry, natural soaps and lotions, as well as homegrown honey.
The market offers a more energized outdoor shopping experience when compared to the typical grocery store. And prices are competitive. A basket of strawberries, for example, goes for $1.50 at the market compared to about $2.00 at Meijer or Family Fare. A pound of green beans and a bundle of asparagus generally cost $1.00 and $1.50, respectively.
Farmer Jill Johnson said Crane Dance Farms – which specializes in produce, meat, and eggs – has participated in the market for the past five years. During that time, she has noticed a considerable surge in the market’s popularity in the last few years.
“People like the healthy food and that we actually care about our animals,” Johnson says. “Once customers try our food they can actually taste the difference from store bought.”
Jayson Otto, the market’s director and organizer, agreed. “We have always been pretty busy,” he said, “but more farmers want to get in on it and I have noticed more customer traffic.”
To help you navigate the scene, here are three tips for shopping at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market:
- Go on Saturday to get the greatest selection; early in the week there are fewer vendors and less options.
- Seasoned patrons carry a basket to carry their purchases.
- Walk through the entire market before making any purchases. That way you will get a sense of the products and deals available.
Liz Klimas is a freelance writer and a Grand Rapids native. She's currently writing a guide to the City of Rockford for
Rapid Growth Media.
Photographs by Brian Kelly - All Rights Reserved
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