by Amanda Ebersole
Lancaster County has experienced a cool spring season, complete with record-breaking rainfall in some areas. But, summer surely waits around the corner. The turning of the season typically brings hot sun and heavy humidity, but with that grows a rainbow of fresh produce to enjoy.
Merely thinking about summertime is enough to invoke savory memories of the taste of juicy peaches, bright strawberries, and crisp, cool cucumbers.
Lancaster County and its prolific farmland offers residents and tourists an abundance of both nutrition and flavor each summer through farmers markets and other local vendors. The options are endless, and sustainability is driving Lancaster’s success, ensuring longevity for local grocers and customers.
Here are three great options for finding local, sustainable food and goods this summer.
Lancaster Central Market
For a true market experience, Lancaster Central Market, located in the heart of the city between West Orange and West King streets, boasts the title of the oldest farmers market in America. Founded in 1730 and now open year round, Lancaster Central Market hosts over 50 vendors to offer Lancaster shoppers a variety of fresh produce, meat, cheese, coffee, fresh flowers, fish, and even pre-prepared food and locally crafted gifts.
There is even an effort to reduce food waste with their After Market program, which donates food that cannot be sold the next market day. An excellent one-stop shop for those searching for locally grown organic food and sustainably sourced products, there is something for everyone here. A few standout vendors include:
- Brogue Hydroponics: This vendor offers produce grown with hydroponics. Through their unique method, Brogue Hydroponics grows plants using recyclable, nutrient-rich solutions in peat moss rather than traditional soil.
- Groff’s Vegetables: The Groff farm offers a plethora of vegetables from their 10-acre, chemical-free family farm. “A Groff family specialty is lettuce – with more than 14 varieties from which to choose,” according to Lancaster Central Market’s website.
- Refillism: Here, you will find accessible, eco-friendly products in refillable containers to reduce waste. A woman-owned, veteran-owned, and black-owned business, Refillism is dedicated to sustainability and responsible consumption. “We take pride in being part of a growing movement dedicated to reducing waste and living sustainably,” says the eco-conscious brand.
Lemon Street Market
Looking for a more traditional grocery store experience? This market may just be the place for you. Located on the corner of North Mulberry and West Lemon streets, this independently owned shop lives and breathes sustainability with a heavy focus on organic, locally grown produce; fair trade products; and non-GMO products, all packaged in biodegradable and/or BPA-free packaging when possible.
They are diligent about reducing waste, recycling, and even offer composting bins at their store for the public to use to help recycle food waste. Coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices can also be enjoyed at this full service grocer, completing the market experience.
Green Circle Organics
Another option for locals in Lancaster City and Lititz, especially for those who may not have the ability to shop in person or the time to peruse market stands, is Green Circle Organics. Since 2003, Green Circle Organics has specialized in curating an assortment of the best local, organic produce.
“We know that many people want to shop and support small family farms, but find it difficult to make a weekly market trip fit into a busy schedule,” according to Green Circle Organics’ website. “So, we designed a delivery service of carefully curated produce boxes that feature perennial organic staples (bananas, spinach, kale, blueberries), as well as seasonal favorites (heirloom tomatoes, asparagus, local strawberries) and unusual varieties you can’t find in a grocery store (Asian long beans, lemon cucumbers, charentais melons, German hard neck garlic).
You can shop their produce at Lancaster Central Market, or you can have curated boxes delivered right to your door. You can order boxes weekly or choose from frequencies of every four, eight, or 12 weeks.
Beyond these highlighted shopping options, Lancaster County is truly a hotspot for fresh food. The pride in farming culture paired with deep respect for the land makes locals and tourists in for a treat each summer.
Regenerative farming, water conservation, elimination of pesticide use, wise choices in recycling and packaging – all of these efforts combined are shaping a long, healthy future of an assortment of fresh food for decades to come.
Amanda Ebersole is a long-time resident of Lancaster County. With an educational background in Sustainable Management, she desires to continue supporting climate solutions, especially at a local level. Amanda writes with the hopes of increasing community engagement in environmental issues by bringing information to readers in an accessible way.
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