In most counties, farmer’s markets are located in the same location during certain days, and Shelby County is no different. There are a few farmer’s markets open one day a week in specific locations. To reach underserved communities in the county, the Shelby County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences partnered with the Shelby County Health Department to host a trial run of a monthly pop-up farmer’s market. The markets were held in July, August, and September, each held in a different location. Each location was specifically chosen to be accessible for low-income families and individuals. Vendors of all of the other farmer’s market locations were contacted and invited to attend at no cost. A local orchard and four farmers/vendors attended. A local bank donated $1,500 that was used to create $10 vouchers for those coming to the market. Each household attending received a voucher to spend that day on local produce, meat, or baked goods.  

Flyers were distributed to the homes in the area inviting people to attend. In one area, two church pastors in the area were contacted and helped to recruit people in that area to attend. The pastors were given the vouchers to distribute to those they knew were in need. The market at this location was by far the best for attendance and for sales. One vendor commented that she decided to set up because she wanted to meet people where they were. She didn’t anticipate doing so well in sales, but said her sales were almost as high as a busy Saturday market. All of the vendors who participated said it was well worth their time being there.  

There were approximately 75 people in attendance at each of the three market locations. The participants reported in a written survey that they loved having the local vendors come to their respective communities and that they wanted to see more of it. They also reported that they purchased more fresh produce because of the location of the market and had plans to purchase more at the grocery store in the future. This summer was the first time something like this had been done, and due to the success, there are plans to continue this next year, with expanding locations and dates.