by Hannah Robison

What’s better than waking up to a sunny Saturday morning and strolling through the city square, finding fresh foods and fun for the entire family? At the Main Street Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market, supported by Unity Health, each Tuesday and Saturday is an open opportunity to discover local produce, handmade products and new friendships for parents, kids and even Fido.

From 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, the farmers’ market is open to all at the White County Courthouse Square near the corner of South Oak Street and East Park Avenue. Throughout the seasons and based on availability, you can find an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, baked goods, bath and beauty items, herbs, handmade crafts, honey, jams and goat milk products. Through the collaboration with Unity Health, the farmers’ market also sells merchandise, including annual shirts and specialty items in which all proceeds directly benefit the market.

Unity Health is proud to support the efforts of educating on the importance of wellness and mindful eating. By choosing to purchase locally sourced products, farmers and families of the area are honored for their efforts to grow and produce quality goods. Families can spend time together by allowing children to choose new foods to try or engaging with animals at the market brought by local farmers.

Fresh foods are able to retain nutrients and include antioxidants and phytonutrients. Seasonal items are also harvested at their peak in flavor, making any combination delicious, be it fruits, vegetables, meat or eggs. Cutting cost by not having to worry about making a trip out of town, allowing foods to go from the farm to your table and learning facts about each local farmers’ produce are a few benefits of being a Searcy certified farmers’ market patron.

Unity Health strives to help and heal the community, and enjoying a morning or afternoon learning about local products and their greater variety, taste and food safety aligns with the mission and vision of the healthcare system — to live health-centered.

To learn more about the Searcy certified farmers’ market, please call Main Street Searcy at 501.279.9007, email [email protected] or visit facebook.com/searcyfarmersmarket. Make your trip to the market soon to experience summer favorites and fun.