The Meadows Farmers Market
The Meadows Farmers Market in Sarasota has a mission of creating a local, sustainable food economy by connecting local farmers and artisans to members of the community in a fun and vibrant market, says Ashley Millington, one of the Meadows Farmers Market co-founders.
The nonprofit Meadows Farmers Market offers a curated experience that distinguishes itself from other nearby farmers markets. “The Meadows Market is a specialized Holiday Market Series happening every second Sunday of the month from December to April, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and welcomes 70-plus vendors”, Millington says.
Picture a sunny Sunday at this lovely market, with musician Bri Rivera singing good tunes and celebrating the holidays while you’re there. Visitors snap up local one-of-a-kind unique items from noted artists while getting their sustainable home goods, like fresh produce, soaps, bread, and flowers.
While you're there, make sure you try the mouthwatering food vendors like Sweet of Life Gelato & Bakery, The Currywurst Food Truck, Magic Crepe, Surfing Coconut, Lemonade Lab, Eat Clean Foodz (featuring organic Italian gourmet foods), and many others. From artisans to food, it has it all.
The market is tucked away and brings all walks of life, from the 6,000 residents in The Meadows community to being within walking distance of more than 10,000 people in the surrounding area.
The Meadows Shopping Village, where the market is held, sits on two beautiful lakes surrounded by big oak trees. It is said the neighborhood temperature drops three degrees when you drive in because of how much shade it has.
The Meadows neighborhood is the oldest HOA in Sarasota with 14 miles of hiking and biking trails located just a few minutes from Nathan Benderson Park, and The Mall at UTC.
The Meadows Farmers Market, founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now in its fourth season. Millington, is co-creator of CMC Inc. Wellness, a health center located in The Meadows Shopping Village that helped create and sponsor the market.
“Our motto is to feed your mind, body and soul,” Millington says.
The Meadows Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates separately from The Meadows HOA and has evolved over its short time span. As a nonprofit, they give back to the community by providing programs to help emerging artists and young entrepreneurs learn how to be business owners. In addition, they find unique ways to support families attending the market by providing different activities for children, such as bounce houses, tea parties crafts and gardening.
The market continues to grow, with plans to establish a community garden this spring and a fund-raising gala on March 1. Market leaders are actively seeking angel investors and other funding resources, says Millington, who graduated from Sarasota’s Ring-ling College and has a marketing background.
The market has heard a lot of local praise over the years. “It’s a special place, We're excited to be making a lasting impact on our community!” Millington says.
