The Benton Harbor Farmers Market will begin its 15th year supporting local vendors and promoting fresh produce on Wednesday, June 18.
The Farmers Market will run every Wednesday through Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the heart of Benton Harbor at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park, 127 E. Main St. It will offer a place where community members, visitors and local vendors can come together, build relationships and promote healthy habits.
The market strives to increase access to fresh locally-grown and affordably-priced fruits and vegetables for all. In addition to cash, the farmers market supports a variety of food assistance programs, including SNAP benefits, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, Senior Project FRESH and Corewell Prescription for Health.
This year, the Farmers Market hopes to attract even more produce vendors to help ensure the community has access to fresh food, Market Coordinator Carla Smart-White said.
“The Benton Harbor Farmers Market is an investment in the health of our community, providing access to a variety of affordable, locally-grown food and handcrafted goods,” Smart-White said. “We look forward to seeing new connections blossom between visitors and vendors each week throughout the market season.
The 2025 Benton Harbor Farmers Market season is supported by Be Healthy Berrien’s American Electric Power Foundation grant through United Way of Southwest Michigan. The Farmers Market is operated by the Berrien County Health Department.
“AEP Foundation aims to support communities across the U.S. through basic needs, education, health care and more,” Indiana Michigan Power Customer Service Manager Mona Livingston said. “We hope to build a brighter future by reducing barriers to healthy food in Benton Harbor.”
With the opening day drawing near, the Benton Harbor Farmers Market is seeking vendors. There are no vendor fees, and vendors are welcome to join week by week. All vendors must register by Wednesday, June 11.
The Benton Harbor Farmers Market welcomes five vendor types:
- Agricultural: Vendors with fresh produce, including those who grow, raise or harvest products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, dairy products, meat and poultry, honey, grains and other crops. Vendors are also welcome to sell flowers and houseplants.
- Value-added food: Vendors selling prepared foods made in a licensed facility or covered under cottage food laws.
- Artisans: Vendors who create and design handcrafted products such as jewelry or artwork.
- Activity volunteers: Organizations or individuals who lead hands-on activities at the market.
- Educators or information providers: Organizations or individuals who provide a service or demonstration of educational value.
Vendors will be given a 10-foot-by-10-foot space to display their goods. All vendors should plan to bring any needed equipment for their booth, including tents, tables, chairs, tablecloths, etc.
Vendors who are interested are encouraged to review the Benton Harbor Farmers Market Vendor Handbook and reach out to Carla Smart-White at csmart@bchdmi.org or 269.927.5637.
Learn more about the Benton Harbor Farmers Market and how to become a vendor at bit.ly/BentonHarborFarmersMarket.
