The Honey Pot at the Tulsa Farmer’s Market

There was a time when a person knew exactly where their food and everyday products came from. With time, things have changed a lot and the consumer is so far removed from the production process of many things they use daily that not knowing the origins of what we use has become second nature. Farmers markets help to bridge the gap between production and consumption and allow consumers a chance to meet people who grow and make many goods and products.

This past weekend I ventured over to the Farmers Market in the parking lot of the Whole Foods Market on Brookside. This was my first time attending and I was so glad to get the opportunity to go because it had been on my “To Do” list for quite some time.

There were over ten booths set up with vendors selling goods ranging from vegetables to meats to wine. The staff on hand were very helpful and gave me good information on how purchasing goods works. Cash is accepted at all vendor booths. Credit and debit cards and the SNAP program benefits are also accepted.

One of the vendors that I enjoyed visiting with was Amy Roark from Roark Acres Honey Farms. Amy and her husband own and operate Roark Acres Honey Farms in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have their own bee hives and make their own products from the honey the bees produce. I had a difficult time deciding what items I wanted to buy (which I believe to be a good thing). I finally decided on a bottle of pure raw honey and one of their lotion bars. In total both items cost me less than $20.

Because I am watching my spending I decided to keep my purchasing low. Not to worry though, most products at the farmers market are reasonably priced and you shouldn’t break the bank shopping there.

The “winter” market is currently under way. Dates and location information can be found on the website (<— click the blue text). I encourage you to stop by and give local growers, entrepreneurs and product makers an opportunity to impress you. There’s something very rewarding by shopping local.