Photo: Big Acres Farms at last year’s Hernando Farmers Market. (Courtesy photo)
It’s going to be a busy day on the Square in Hernando this Saturday, as the start of the Hernando Farmers Market will coincide with DeSoto County’s celebration of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22.
The Hernando Farmers Market is open each Saturday from May through the end of October. The market features locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as fresh local milk, pork, pasture-raised eggs, local honey, canned and preserved items, knife sharpening, nursery plants, baked goods, cut flowers, herbs, fresh salsa and guacamole, and homemade crafts.
Throughout the season, enjoy live music, free fitness classes and special events that will take place during market hours. The Children’s Day Power of Produce (POP) program held the last Saturday of each month and Senior Days are a monthly occurrence. As a Mississippi Certified Market, designated by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, you can be assured of fresh local food and products.
Credit cards and SNAP/EBT can be redeemed at the farmers market table for tokens to be used at vendor booths. Thanks to a grant from the Double Up Food Bucks Mississippi program SNAP recipients receive additional tokens for free fruits and vegetables.
How does Double Up Food Bucks work?
For every $1 you spend on fruits and vegetables with SNAP benefits, you’ll get an additional $1 to spend on your produce purchase, up to $20 per transaction.
For more information about Double Up Bucks, WIC & Senior Vouchers, and Children’s POP bucks contact gmatheny@cityofhernando.org or 662-449-9127.
The Earth Day event, between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. will have more than 50 exhibitors taking part. Demonstrations and free shredding will be offered. DeSoto County Animal Services will participatie, there will be interactive learning opportunities, along with 4-H exhibits, demonstrations, and live animals.
The DeSoto Arts Festival will also feature items from local artists and craftsmen.
Shredding will be available in the Trustmark Bank parking lot.
