<p>Darlene Key of Juniper Key Farm (right) shows her hearty tomato plants to a customer at the John Day Farmers Market.</p>

The John Day Farmers Market’s mission is to be a market for everyone … And that it is!

There truly is something for everyone at the market. Whether you are a resident and come to the market every week to buy fresh groceries or you are just passing through, the John Day Farmers Market has something for you.

The John Day Farmers Market was formed in 2010 to provide local producers with a venue for selling their products and to provide residents access to fresh, local foods. The market is continuing to meet both of these goals in its second season. The market hosts several vendors whose booths offer an array of colorful vegetables, fruits, and other foods that change as the season progresses. There are also many local crafters who bring jewelry, woodcrafts, soaps, quilts, and much more.

The market strives to offer opportunities to members of the community living on a limited income to make fresh, healthy foods more affordable. During the market’s first season many of the produce vendors became registered to accept the Women Infants & Children (WIC) Fruit and Veggie Vouchers and the Farm Direct Nutrition Program Checks. In addition, this season the market is also accepting SNAP Benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps, to continue to meet this goal.

For those visiting the area, the John Day Farmers Market is a great place to experience Grant County. The many goods and handcrafts at the market are made locally and sold by the person who made them. The John Day Farmers Market T-shirts and totes make excellent souvenirs.

The abundance of fresh foods are the makings for a great picnic to take with you as you explore the rest of what Grant County has to offer. It is the perfect place to find a little something fresh from the frontier to take home with you.