Sweet Grown Alabama Hosts Fourth Market Outside Tomato Sandwich Lunch
June 19, 2024
Sweet Grown Alabama hosted a pop-up farmers market outside the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ 21st Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch held at the Ed Teague Arena in Montgomery on June 26. Sandwiches featuring local tomatoes from Sessions Farms in Grand Bay and sweet corn from McKenzie Farms in Fairhope were enjoyed by all who attended. Even the floral centerpieces donated by Mehearg Farms in Wetumpka were grown in Alabama. After lunch, guests were able to walk through the farmers market to purchase products from farmers across the state, as well as visit a few informational booths.
“We are thrilled every year we get to participate in the pop-up farmers market outside of the Tomato Sandwich Lunch,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Assistant Director Aisling Walding. “Not only do our farmers receive the chance to get in front of so many consumers, but they get to have fun and see familiar faces.”
Over 600 people attended the Tomato Sandwich Lunch and Sweet Grown Alabama farmers market. The seven vendors sold products including jams and jellies, heirloom tomatoes, fresh cut flowers, pecans, goats milk soap and more. Sweet Grown Alabama supporter First South Farm Credit was also in attendance with fun take-home goodies.
In partnership with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Sweet Grown Alabama also handed out fried green tomato samples cooked with local green tomatoes.
This is the fourth year a farmers market was held in conjunction with the Tomato Sandwich Lunch.
“Sometimes you never know how a day at the farmers market will go,” said Palmer Farm owner Melissa Palmer. “At this event we always have a blast, seeing friends and selling our jellies.”
Other vendors in attendance included:
Flying Basset Farm, Butler County
Magnolia-Brand Farm & Apiary, Pickens County
Whitewater Creek Farm, Pike County
Farmers markets are a great place to purchase not only produce, but also jams and jellies, meats, honey, baked goods and more! Click here to find a farmers market near you.