Sheffield’s Farmers’ Market opens at Cornerstone

SHEFFIELD — The hot and humid early June sun didn’t keep shoppers away or vendors at home, as the weekly Sheffield Farmers’ Market set up shop on Thursday, June 4.

Located on Routes 6/34 just as you drive into Sheffield at Cornerstone Community Wellness Center, the Sheffield Farmers’ Market has quickly become a popular spot for area residents every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, some sweet treats, organic eggs and meat, and more, the new farmers’ market offers a variety of items for shoppers to buy and browse. On Thursday, the clock hadn’t even reached 4 p.m. yet, and already shoppers were there, ready to take home their treasures.

The Sheffield Farmers’ Market was the brainchild of Elizabeth Pratt, director of the Cornerstone Community Wellness Center, and Joy Kauffman of Tiskilwa who works with the Bureau County Health Department’s From the Ground Up program. From the Ground Up is a program which increases the numbers and vibrancy of the farmers’ markets in the area.

To date, current vendors include Meadow Haven Farms of Sheffield which sells the organic eggs and meats; Mill Road Farms of Sheffield which offers a plethora of garden produce — including many unique varieties; Denise Bolin and Gina Hall who offer sweet treats and baked goods — including the opportunity for people to place specialty orders for a variety of baked goods and treats, many that are considered to be healthier options; and Bureau Valley High School, which has been selling plants at the market. Pratt said there are a couple of other vendors who will attend on a semi-regular basis, and she knows sweet corn will be a summer favorite later on in the season.

“So far, I think it’s gone really well,” said Pratt. “We’ve had over 50 people in and out of the first couple of markets. That’s been good for our facility (Cornerstone Community Wellness Center) because it’s bringing awareness to our building and our services and what we are going to do in the future.”

Watch for a story on the new wellness center in a future edition of the BCR.

Pratt was quick to offer credit to those who are helping to bring these services to Sheffield.

“We have a bunch of volunteers, a staff member and a great board who are making all of this happen,” said Pratt. “Those people are the ones who help make it happen.”

The Sheffield Farmers' Market, which sells only food items and plants, is open to the public. The vendor spaces are free, and those interested in operating a stand at the market are encouraged to visit the center's website at www.ccwell.org and fill out an application.

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