Mission
North Union Farmers Market champions the local foods of Northeast Ohio and promotes their environmental, economic and health benefits by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets.
We operate authentic, certified, producer-only markets and also offer related programming to encourage consumers and farmers to participate in the markets in order to:
- Teach consumers about the taste and health benefits of eating fresh, locally grown seasonal produce, carrying on the traditions of the North Union Shakers.
- Improve the regional economy by creating vibrant community spaces.
- Enhance our environment and economy by enabling small farms to sell directly to consumers.
The Market has a board of 17 trustees, several of whom are farmers who sell at market. The Market has a salaried staff of 3 including a general manager who is responsible for the operation of the Markets. In 2009, there were over 90 farmers and over 100 artisan and food purveyor participants in our markets. This means in 2009 North Union Farmers Market incubated nearly 200 small businesses and over 300 since our inception.
What does North Union Farmers Market do?
North Union Farmers Market operates farmers markets throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Our first was established in 1995 at Shaker Square and is open on Saturday mornings from April through the third week in December. In 1999 we opened our Lakewood market on Wednesdays. In 2003, our Indoor Winter market at Shaker Square opened, allowing residents to find local food year-round. In 2005 our Crocker Park market in Westlake was opened, and in 2008 we opened two markets: one on the Cleveland Clinic campus in Cleveland and one in Chagrin Falls. The Cleveland State University market debuted in 2009 with a hearty following of downtown folk, faculty and students. The Hillcrest Hospital market will open in 2010.
NUFM has built relationships with these several area organizations: Cleveland Botanical Garden, The Cleveland Clinic, The Ohio State University Extension, Slow Food, Shaker Historical Society, Murphy Foundation, O’Neill Foundation, Fairfax CDC, Cuyahoga Board of Elections, Westlake Community Groups, Cuyahoga County Master Gardeners, Asha for Education, Cuyahoga County WIC, Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, Esperanza Threads, and other nonprofit organizations and community groups. It is through these relationships that the Market has broadened its ability to educate the public about the benefits of locally grown produce. The successful “Chef at the Market” series featuring local chefs preparing healthy, fresh, local product right from the field, is just one example of NUFM meeting its mission.
What are our long-term goals?
Over the past fifteen years it has been gratifying to see the enthusiasm of the community and the farmers who participate in the Markets. Each year it becomes easier to attract new farmers and build our customer base. Our goals are to help re-establish the true farmers market in the State of Ohio by assisting other communities in creating farmers markets that will support more farms and bring the energy and revitalization to urban and village centers. The strength of our local farming economy and the vitality of our downtown centers and merchant economy are inextricably linked: one cannot thrive without the other. As such, we hope to stall the deleterious social, environmental and economic effects caused by urban sprawl and industrial food systems by giving small farming families outlets for their products and thereby the ability to keep their farms. We will continue to educate the public about the flavor, freshness and health advantages of local produce, which will create a demand for these products throughout the area.
