Farmers markets and farm stands offer more than fresh fruits and vegetables.
They sometimes also provide a sense of community -- you know, local sellers, local buyers and local browsers coming together in a shared interest in apples, broccoli, cucumbers and other healthy produce.
Post-GazetteBob Mariani, of Bloomfield, holds the lid up so that passersby can see the hot cheese shells and eggplant Parmesan he has for samples at Saturday morning's farmers market along Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. He was selling Mariani Prepared Pastas and Sauces.
Click photo for larger image.
In McKeesport, for example, a farm stand operated by Mon Yough Community Services warmly extends this community vibe to mentally challenged people: Those who attend the agency's CADS, Connecting Abilities Developing Skills, day program help to operate the stand.
"It really gives [everyone] a sense of community," said Tara Rothermund, assistant program supervisor.
Here are some South-based markets and stands open this summer. Enjoy!
BETHEL PARK: Bethel Park Farmers Market, on Park Avenue in the Schoolhouse Arts Center parking lot, next to the community center. Open from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 23. Sponsored by Bethel Park Recreation Department. Call 412-831-1328.
CARRICK: Citiparks Farmers Market, Carrick Shopping Center, Brownsville Road and Parkfield Street. Open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through November. Call 412-422-6523, press 5.
CLAIRTON: Clairton Farm Stand, 530 Miller Ave., Family Dollar parking lot. Open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, through Nov. 15. Sponsored by LifeSpan's Steel Valley Resource Center. Call 412-233-4847.
McKEESPORT: Mon Yough Community Services Farm Stand, 500 Market St. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Nov. 14. Call 412-672-3400.
MT. LEBANON: Mt. Lebanon Lions Club Farmers Market, parking lot of Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, Washington and Cochran roads. Open from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, through Oct. 17. Call 412-221-1067.
MT. LEBANON: Uptown Farmers Market, on the sidewalks of 600-750 Washington Road. Open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through Sept. 29. Visit www.mtlebanon.org or call 412-343-3400 or 412-531-4485.
PLEASANT HILLS: Pleasant Hills Lions Club Farmers Market, in Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church parking lot, Caryl Drive. Open from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 18. Call 412-653-5144.
SOUTH FAYETTE: Original Farmers Night Market, Route 50 West. Open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through Nov. 21. Sponsored by the Allegheny County Fruit & Vegetables Association. Call 724-899-3438.
SOUTH SIDE: Citiparks Farmers Market, South 18th and East Carson streets. Open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through November. Call 412-422-6523, press 5.
WHITE OAK: White Oak Farmers Market, Rainbow Village, Route 48 and Lincoln Way. Open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through November. Call 412-877-3498.
NOTE: Produce for the Clairton and McKeesport farm stands is provided by local farmers and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The food bank's Farm Stand Project aims to give low-income families access to fresh, affordable produce. Various forms of payment are accepted: cash, food stamps and coupons for Women, Infants and Children and Seniors/Farmers' Market Nutrition programs .
First Published: July 12, 2007, 11:30 a.m.
