*editor’s note: story has been edited to reflect Yahweh’s new seasonal hours (10 am – 6 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Monday).
In today’s world, shoppers have nearly everything we want at our fingertips. Clothing, school books and more can be purchased online and at your doorstep in just days. Even groceries can be bought online, and of course, convenience is often a priority. However, in recent years, RGV residents and people in communities across the world are again realizing the major value of shopping at their local farmers markets.
The Brownsville Farmers Market was one of the first to come to the RGV about eight years ago, providing local growers with a place to sell their seasonal, farm-fresh goods to the community. Since then, farmers markets, both small and large, have popped up around the Valley in communities including McAllen, Harlingen, South Padre Island and more.
Debbie Cox, of Perennial Favorites, has been a vendor at many of the Valley’s farmers markets since their inception. She is a member of the Harlingen Farmers Market Board of Directors and the Cameron County Master Gardener Association. Specializing in herb, veggie, butterfly, and hummingbird plants, Cox said that the markets have grown over the years, with more vendors to provide increased options for local consumers. Depending on the season, shoppers will find fresh fruits and vegetables, all kinds of nuts, fresh eggs, cheeses, jellies and jams, local honey, and homemade soaps. You can even find certified grass-fed beef and fresh gulf shrimp. Because farmers markets are scheduled at different times in different areas, it allows vendors to bring their fresh harvests to people all over the Valley.
Cox has seen a lot of growth over the years in both vendors and consumers, but said, “There are still people that don’t even know there’s a farmers market, which is amazing to me. It seems to be a well-kept secret.”
With continued growth of these events, many of the markets have brought in live music, free Zumba, activities for children, and cooking demonstrations so that people can not only buy the farm-fresh produce, but also learn how to cook it. These events support local growers and encourage healthy habits in the RGV.
The benefits of buying locally are widespread and multifaceted. Farm-fresh is the best, and by cutting out the middleman, shoppers get high-quality goods at a great value while also supporting vendors in our own communities. That sense of community is strong, and the activities are a lot of fun, too! Next time you’re ready to head out for some groceries or just have a good time, check out one of the many farmers markets that can be found right here in the RGV.
McAllen Farmers Market
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen, Texas
(McAllen Public Library)
http://www.mcallenfarmersmarket.com
Brownsville Farmers’ Market
Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon
1534 E. Sixth St., Brownsville, TX
(Linear Park next to the zoo – Sixth & Ringgold)
http://www.brownsvillewellnesscoalition.com/
Yahweh’s All Natural Farm and Garden
Thursday, Friday, and Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
19741 Morris Road, Harlingen, TX
Earth Born Market
Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4508 N. Taylor Road, McAllen, TX
- Pharrmer’s Market
- Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 724 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas
- http://www.pharrmersmarket.org
- Grow’n Growers Farmers Market
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon
- 201 N, First St., McAllen, TX
- (Firemen’s Park, Corner of First Street & Bus 83)
Harlingen Farmers Market
Saturday: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Downtown “A” Street between Jackson and Monroe
South Padre Island Farmers Market
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
the Shores, 8605 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
Crockett’s Bayview Farm Crawl
Friday: noon to 6 p.m.
176 San Roman Roadd, Los Fresnos, TX 78566
