Tulsa Farmer's Market increases access to local food with new weekday market

The Tulsa Farmer's Market (TFM) is now open twice a week with the addition of its Wednesday Morning Farmer's Market. It is the first time in about five years that the nonprofit has organized a market outside of the one on Saturdays in Kendall Whittier.

Executive Director Kris Rosson said, "Our customers have been asking for a more accessible, smaller farmer's market so if they have trouble walking or they need to park closer, this is something they can get around very easily."

The market at 1 S. Lewis Ave. also gives local farmers a second chance each week to get in front of customers. "We are really trying to build a resilient food system here and that means having more farmers' markets," Rosson continued saying, "Having more opportunities for people to connect, it strengthens not only our food system, but also our local economy."

The FarmBar restaurant at 18th and Boston is leading the way on this idea by locally sourcing all of its food. "I love telling people every dollar that you spend at FarmBar does not go out of the state of Oklahoma. It goes back into our community," said Chef Caleb Mohr.

By creating more access, he hopes other local restaurants will follow suit. "We really think that championing local agriculture is something that every restaurant should be doing," said Mohr. "It is better for our local economy and the food is fresher."

Though the Wednesday market itself is smaller, the variety of items is the same as what customers can find on Saturdays. "We have fresh, in season produce, fruit when available, we have plants, flowers, beef, pork, chicken, and eggs," added Rosson.

The Tulsa Farmer's Market is open every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. through August and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. until October, when the hours change to 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market accepts SNAP benefits and matches those up to $20 each market day. For more information, visit their website.