The South Bend Farmer’s Market is one of South Bend’s best kept secrets from Notre Dame students. The ten minute drive down Eddy St. from campus to the market is well worth it. Established in 1924, the market is home to 23 produce vendors, in addition to other vendors selling goods ranging from scarves to soft pretzels. The produce vendors sell a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including but not limited to: apples, blueberries, peaches, cantaloupe, pears, watermelon, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, squash, and kohlrabi.
The Farmer’s Market caught our attention because the vendors accept both Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) funds and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. This means that low-income individuals and families can realistically take advantage of the nutritional benefits of the fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market.
We had the opportunity to speak to many of the vendors at the market and learned that most of the vendors donate their leftover produce to local food pantries when they have a surplus. Some of the smaller vendors do not donate, but only because they do not bring enough produce to have any left after sales. Overall, the Farmer’s Market is a friendly and open place, and we highly recommend making a visit or two.
The South Bend Farmer’s Market is located at: 1105 Northside Boulevard, South Bend, IN 46615
