Thanks to our friends at the “Island Reporter” for this news we’ve been waiting for!
Seven new vendors will join the line up at the popular weekly Sanibel Island Farmers Market, which will kick off its ninth season in October.
The weekly Sunday market is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road. This season will kick off on Sunday, Oct. 2 and run through May 28. With Christmas landing on a Sunday this year, the market will have a make-up day Monday, Dec. 26. It will be open on Easter Sunday.
The market, which has become a local favorite, offers such items as local produce, breads, honey, seafood, meats, cheeses and flowers.
This year’s new vendors include Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farms, T&D Gluten Free Baker, Sanibel Sweet Shoppe with Italian Ice, Mr. Fun Guy Mushroom Farmer, Argentinean Empanadas, Bush Doggies with crab cakes and Euro Fries.
Betsy Ventura and Jean Baer, Local Roots LLC co-owners, are also continuing their working partnership with F.I.S.H. by becoming a drop off point for pantry food items and monetary donations. Ventura said they have a wagon with plexiglass surrounding it to create a fish bowl for individuals to either drop off items from home, or items bought from the market for the F.I.S.H. food pantry.
They now have markets on Sanibel, Downtown Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Coconut Point, Fenway South, Lakes Park and FSW.
Ventura said the goal of their markets is to showcase vendors who are selling produce and artisan products that are grown and produced locally, which she hopes in turn strengthens the surrounding community.
“Shopping at our markets will reduce the carbon footprint of consumerism,” she said. “There is always a well balanced offering at each market that has something for everyone.”
The Sanibel Island Farmers Market began in 2008, at the Tahitian Gardens before it was moved to City Hall after it outgrew the space.
For more information about Local Roots and the Sanibel Farmers Market, visit www.buylocallee.com.
