Covid-19 brought many changes for 2020. A food scare and shortage on the shelves of grocery stores was one the biggest problems many people faced during this time of a global pandemic. Local Farmers Markets thrived during this time, and the Lebanon, KY Farmers Market was one of those markets.

In the past years, the Lebanon, KY Farmers Market had a small number of consistent vendors.  On average you could find 5-6 vendors on any given market day. The products they sold were of good quality but not a wide range of diversity among products. During the 2020 market season the Lebanon, KY Farmers Market saw grow in product diversity, number of vendors, and clientele.

The Lebanon, KY Farmers Market grew tremendously in product diversity during the 2020 season. From products such as candles and baked goods to hemp products and beef all saw growth. A new vendor who grows and processes hemp locally sold their products at the market for the first time. They were able to not only market their products but advertise their local business for future growth. The vendor selling candles was successful and was able to grow her product line throughout the year. Baked goods have been a staple at the market for several years but if new vendors coming in selling these products a larger variety was offered.

The number of vendors at the Lebanon, KY Farmers Market increases considerably during the 2020 season. During previous seasons, 5-6 consistent vendors would general catch the average each week. New vendors joined the market during the 2020 season in addition to many returning vendors. There were 4-5 new members joining the market who set-up on a weekly basis. Over 5 new vendors joined who set-up their display on occasion.

The diversity of products also increased for the Lebanon KY Farmers Market during the 2020 season. Previously the selection of products was overall a good offering. New and returning vendors alike added new products to their production line-up. New product that have never been offered before at the market also added to the product diversity. Hemp, candles, arts and crafts, and larger production of vegetables all helped in the markets growing success.

The clientele basis of the Lebanon, KY Farmers Market saw a huge jump in 2020. Covid-19 brought a scare/shortage to grocery store shelves. Many locals turned to the market to find products that weren’t available at the store. Once clientele visited the market for the first time, many became returning customers. Vendors also made arrangements to accommodate clientele who were concerned over the Covid-19 situation. Clientele seemed pleased with the selection and price point of the local products being offered to them at their hometown farmers market.

Overall the Lebanon, KY Farmers Market saw tremendous growth through their 2020 season. Many vendors are excited for the upcoming season and the morale of the group is stronger coming in to the new year.