The biggest roadblock to healthy eating, for some, is this question: “I would buy healthier food, but why does it cost so much more than junk food?”
If you ask Karen Elizabeth, that’s a gross misconception — if you know where to look.
Enter Plant City GET FRESH Market, a new farmers market that not only aims to make fresh food affordable but also keep Plant City dollars local.
“People think buying organic is too expensive, but it’s much different when you get it fresh,” Elizabeth, a local wellness coach, said. “When you’re forced to buy at the grocery store, that argument works. But then, it’s not local at that point — it comes from somewhere else.”
So, on Wednesday afternoons, Elizabeth and a slew of vendors make the trek to the corner of Evers and Alsobrook to set up shop. The market sells fresh, locally produced vegetables, dairy, jams, poultry and eggs, and also has an organic juice bar. According to Elizabeth, every edible item at the market is either completely organic or as close to that as possible. And, there’s more than just food available: Local artists and crafters will also be on-site to sell their wares — all kinds of handmade goods, art and jewelry.
It’s not the first farmers market to come to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, but Elizabeth hopes it will be around longer this time.
“Nothing’s ever really settled here,” she said. “I think they started one a few years ago, downtown, but it never really got off the ground. We’re giving everybody an opportunity to get a really good foundation with this one.”
As president of Plant City Commons Community Garden, Elizabeth is no stranger to upstarts. In keeping a grower’s mindset, the market’s items will vary according to season. That means no sweet potatoes until they’re in season, among other things.
The market officially opened this week, but Elizabeth and company are still seeking vendors. Anyone interested in selling items at the market should contact her directly at (813) 435-8111 or by email at 12circle8@gmail.com.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Plant City GET FRESH Market
WHEN: 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays
WHERE: 115 W. Alsobrook St.
PARKING: Across the street, at Creative Floral Designs
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Plant CityGetFreshMarket