Food Policy Council’s Summer Farmers Market Tour

Contributors: Rosa E. Downing, Liz States, Allison Wendling, Robert Brockman, Megan Hague, Katie Plazarin, Ally Larsson

Farmers Markets are critical connection points between local communities and local growers. They offer benefits spanning social, economic, and environmental spheres. To celebrate our regional food system, the Food Policy Council is kicking off a Summer Farmers Market Tour on National Farmer’s Market Week. Read more below to learn about the importance of our local Farmers Markets and where we’ll be stopping!

Celebrating National Farmers Market Week

This past spring I brought home one of the most delicious heads of broccoli from my own local farmers market. When I prepared it simply by steaming and lightly seasoning, my family was astounded by the incredible flavor unlocked, claiming “this is the BEST broccoli I have ever had.” Nothing compares to a locally grown head of broccoli, a freshly picked heirloom tomato, or a sweet ear of local corn. The truth is, local food just tastes better. 

As we kick off National Farmers Market Week (August 2-8, 2026), I am excited to share that the Food Policy Council will be celebrating all things local food through our first Summer Farmers Market Tour (view and download the tour guide here). And while the superior flavor of local food is reason enough to purchase directly from your local farmers, there are a myriad of other reasons to support your own local market. The Farmers Market Coalition expands on a few ways that markets benefit communities. Farmers markets help preserve farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to nutritious food, support healthy communities, and promote sustainability. Ultimately, farmers markets are a strong direct to consumer model that makes it easier for local producers to get their freshest produce in the hands of community members.

Our Farmers Market Tour Lineup

Hyde Park Farmers Market | Sunday, August 2 | 9:30 am-1:00 pm | Hyde Park Square in Cincinnati, OH

We kick off our tour with a stop at Hyde Park Farmers Market on the first day of National Farmers Market Week. Hyde Park Farmers’ Market is a weekly family-friendly event. The market brings the Greater Cincinnati community together on Hyde Park Square every Sunday morning from mid-May through October. HPFM’s farmers and food artisans strive to provide the best tasting, most healthy food in our region. The growers strictly adhere to sustainable and humane practices. Produce and flowers are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or GMO seed. Livestock and poultry are pasture raised (and finished) without antibiotics, GMO feed, or growth hormones.

Madeira Farmers Market | Thursday, August 6 | 4:00-7:00 pm | Dawson Road at Miami Ave in Madeira, OH

Our second stop is also during Farmers Market Week, and will be in Madeira. Madeira Farmers Market is a community-oriented, weekly event that supports the economy by connecting consumers to producers of fresh, high-quality local food and goods. The market takes place at the corner of Dawson Road at Miami Avenue every Thursday from 4pm-7pm between May and October. They often have live music and celebrate their deep connection to their community. 

Covington Farmers Market | Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm | 629 Washington St. in Covington, KY

Covington Farmers Market is owned and operated by The Center for Great Neighborhoods, a community development nonprofit. The Covington Farmers Market has been in operation for about 12 years, and under Center ownership for about 3 years. Although the market has faced challenges with shifting locations in the past few years, there is a proposal to establish a permanent home in a newly announced development by the City of Covington. 

Boone County Farmers Market | Saturday, September 5 | 10:00 am-2:00 pm | 1961 Burlington Pike in Burlington, KY

Staying in Kentucky for our next stop, we will be visiting the Boone County Farmers Market in Burlington. The Boone County Farmers Market is a space available to Northern Kentucky farmers and other members of the food system. Product availability depends on the season but includes vegetable and flower plants, honey and maple syrup, fruits and vegetables, and bakery items. This market is uniquely housed in the Boone County Cooperative Extension, an extension of the University of Kentucky. 

Northside Farmers Market | Wednesday, September 9 | 4:00-7:00 pm | Jacob Hoffner Park in Northside, OH

The Northside Farmers Market is a community gathering space and beloved neighborhood farmers market. They are open every Wednesday, rain or shine, year round. They have about 25 vendors, nearly half of which are local farmers selling produce, free-range meats, dairy, eggs and honey. They are one of few well-established markets in Cincinnati whose explicit mission is to expand food access in our community, in addition to supporting local farmers and food producers. They celebrate diversity and pride themselves on creating a welcoming farmers market experience for everyone.

Westwood Farmers Market | Thursday, September 17 | 4:00-7:00 pm | Westwood United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, OH

Nestled in the heart of Cincy’s Westwood neighborhood, this Market is more than just a marketplace. Westwood Farmers Market is a gathering space for families, friends, and neighbors who share a love for locally-sourced food, homemade wonders, and high-quality, farm-fresh produce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The market managers, Ally and Erik Larsson, are also working on some exciting new projects to make fresh local produce more accessible to their community. We’ll share more after our visit! 

Support Local Food

Now, more than ever, it is pivotal to support local food producers! By supporting local farmers markets you are also supporting healthier soils, local economies, and community connection. And your reward is a delicious bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables on your dinner plate. 

We hope you will join us for one (or all!) of these stops on our Farmers Market Tour. We will continue to share stories of each visit on our social media, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. See you at the market!

More Information & Resources

• Ohio Farmers Market Network
• Find a farmers market near you with the CORV Local Food Guide 
• Edible Ohio Valley Weekly Market Guide
• Farmers Market Coalition
• Local 12 – News Article on Covington Farmers Market