If you’re craving fresh fruits and veggies from local farmers, Southwest Missouri is your taste buds’ best friend.
Buying local adds vibrant flavor and nutritional value to every meal. It keeps more dollars right here in our community and even helps the environment, thanks to a shorter distance from the field to your table.
The Springfield area is home to many farmers markets and retailers that offer a delicious array of fresh produce grown right here in our back yard. You can also purchase meats, eggs and cheeses from local producers, as well as jams, jellies, baked goods and hand-made crafts made close to home.
Here are 10 places to check out if you’re looking to add more fresh, local flavor to your menu.
#1: Greater Springfield Farmers Market
2825 South Glenstone #101, Springfield
Saturday, 8 a.m. – Noon, Year Round
Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – Noon, April through October
Established in 1979, the Greater Springfield Farmers Market is the largest producer-only market in Missouri. You’ll find a variety of quality goods from local farmers, growers, ranchers and value-added producers located within a 100-mile radius of Springfield. Products include vegetables, fruits, meats, baked goods, jams, honeys and condiments including salsa. You can also purchase arts, crafts and decorative plants for your home and garden. The market is located at the intersection of Glenstone and Battlefield in the Battlefield Mall parking lot.
#2: Farmers Market of the Ozarks
2144 East Republic Road, Springfield
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Spring, Summer and Fall
Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Winter
Located at Farmer’s Park, the Farmers Market of the Ozarks offers fresh produce, meats, baked goods and crafts from vendors located within a 150-mile radius of Springfield. Food items include vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses and breads. You can also find one-of-a-kind stained glass vases, handspun clothing and even skin care products from local artisans. While shopping, be sure to enjoy some coffee, sweets and other goodies from onsite food trucks, as well as live music from local artists.
#3: C-Street City Market
321 East Commercial Street, Springfield
Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April through October
Established in 2000, the C-Street City Market is the place to buy delicious local produce and crafts while you’re shopping and dining along historic C-Street in North Springfield. This fresh and festive market unites urban communities with local farmers and artists, playing hosts to live music and other events throughout the season. In addition to farm-fresh produce, you can purchase meats, eggs, honey, baked goods and coffee. Non-food wares include plants and flowers, artisan jewelry, crafts, soaps and even pet products for your furry friends.
#4: Fair Grove Farmers Market
38 South Main Street, Fair Grove
Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m., April through October
Purchase farm-fresh goodies from local vendors at Historic Wommack Mill in Fair Grove, located a few miles north of Springfield. Serving the community since 2000, all vendors are Ozarks area growers, producers, bakers and makers located within a 50-mile radius. Besides fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, you can also find kettle corn, baked goods, eggs, honey and seeds. Other offerings include garden plants from nearby greenhouses and handmade soaps.
#5: Ozark Farmers Market
844 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark
Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., May-September
This family-friendly seasonal market offers farm-fresh produce and other local goods amidst live music, drinks and onsite food trucks. Popular items include local meats, free-range eggs, homemade jams and delicious baked goods. Enjoy a snack or dinner at one of their courtside tables and stay for OFM Market Music every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. all season long.
#6: Nixa Area Farmers Market
Intersection of Highway 14 and Main Street, Nixa
Saturday, 8 a.m. to Noon, May through September
Located downtown in the parking lot of Nixa Assembly of God, the Nixa Area Farmers Market offers a wide range of goods from producers in Christian, Douglas, Webster, Greene, Lawrence, Stone and Taney Counties. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, you can also purchase locally roasted coffees. Other items include woodworking, soaps, hand-sewn crafts and decorative plants.
#7: Millsap Farms
6593 North Emu Lane, Springfield
Millsap Farms offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership that lets you purchase a share of the farm’s produce ahead of each growing season. Benefits include access to fresh food, preservation of farmland and support for our local economy. Millsap also partners with a number of producers to offer seasonal fruits including strawberries, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and apples. Other products include fresh breads, goat cheese and free-range eggs. Finally, their Thursday Night Pizza Club features live music and pizza topped with seasonal ingredients, every Thursday evening from May through October.
#8: Urban Roots
831 West State Street, Springfield
This four-season urban farm in Downtown Springfield offers fresh veggies year-round. All produce is raised without synthetic chemicals and using sustainable techniques. You can buy fresh produce through their CSA or at their Farmstand. CSA memberships offer a large or small share of the produce, depending on your needs. For an extra charge, you can add additional items to your purchase, including pasture-raised eggs, mushrooms, bread and coffee. Other items available include meats and honey. Their self-serve Farmstand is an easy way to buy fresh produce not already sold through the CSA or to local restaurant partners.
#9: Mama Jeans
Mama Jean’s East: 3530 East Sunshine Street
Mama Jean’s South: 1110 East Republic Road
Mama Jean’s North: 228 West Sunshine
This one-of-a-kind grocer is your source for local, organic fruits and vegetables from small farmers – with no junk and no GMOs! Mama Jean’s offers locally made products in every department. You can find bulk dry goods including grains, beans, dried fruits, snacks and baking ingredients, as well as craft beer and wine. They also specialize in quality foods that are free of artificial flavors and colors, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and MSG.
#10: Horrman Meats
1537 West Battlefield Road, Springfield
Founded in 2003, this family-owned butcher shop specializes in organic, grass-finished products with no hormones or antibiotics. Must-have items include their popular handmade bratwurst, sausages and ready-to-go dinner sides. Other staples include beef, bison, lamb, chicken and eggs produced by local farmers. While you’re there, you can also pick up locally-made candies, seasonal produce and unique seasonings to flavor your favorite recipes.
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