Year-round Ohio farmers market perfect for last-minute Thanksgiving essentials
While they are excited about being open all year, there can be some challenges because of inclement weather
Year-round Ohio farmers market perfect for last-minute Thanksgiving essentials
While many farmers markets are ending for the season in the Midwest, here is one in Northeast Ohio that stays open year-round which is perfect for those last-minute Thanksgiving dinner shopping plans. FOX Weather’s Mitti Hicks reports.
EAST CANTON, Ohio – The dinner preparations are underway as Thanksgiving is just days away.
And if you're looking for a more locally sourced meal, your best bet is going to be at the local farmer's market. But while many of those markets are getting ready to close in the Midwest as the weather gets cooler, there is one in northeast Ohio that stays open year-round.
Green Farms is a family-run business that has been open since 1948 and is currently being run by the third generation.
In 2011, the team decided to stay open all year after some pressure from their customers as the store used to close during the winter months.
While they are excited about being open all year, there can be some challenges because of inclement weather.
"So especially in the wintertime, the weather is so important," said Ross Bartolone, with Green Farms. "If someone's forecasting a blizzard, and we normally go to get produce on Monday, Thursday, Friday, we might have to change that routine and … go on a Tuesday."
Green Farms one of few farmers markets open year-round in Ohio
Green Farms is a family-run business that has been open since 1948 and is currently being run by the third generation.
Bartolone said they sometimes change their plans quickly and make sure everyone's on board.
Safety is also important, and when below-zero temperatures are forecasted in Ohio, they work to keep others out of the cold.
"And we have to change direction pretty quickly when that happens," Bartolone said.
The owners say the goal of the market is to bring their community the freshest produce, deli meat, cheese and locally grown fruits and vegetables at affordable prices.
WHY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER WILL COST YOU MORE THIS YEAR
The weather also affects the prices you pay at the grocery store, according to Breezemeter General Manager Paul Walsh.
"Everything we eat is influenced by the weather," Walsh said. "If you think about the equation in terms of what drives price, it's supply and demand. So the weather impacts the supply, it impacts the base from a growing perspective and also a transportation perspective."
If there are significant weather events, that affects how much a company has to sell.
Walsh said that in general, most people could expect to pay about 5 percent more this year.
So, how can you plan to try and keep your costs down?
Walsh said it's all about pre-planning and advises people to buy their supplies as early as possible and be aware that it will cost you more, and you may not find everything you're looking for.