Kirkwood farmer’s market has the right pick for students
By: ALEX WHITE
Photo Editor
Fresh fruits and vegetables are closer to Saint Louis Community College Meramec than thought, the downtown Kirkwood farmer’s market is located at 150 E Argonne Dr.
Just about two miles from campus. Summit produce opened in 1976 and has been bringing fresh produce to Kirkwood ever since.
The farmer’s market, also known as Summit Produce, carries all types of produce ranging from strawberries, bananas, apples and watermelon to vegetables like corn, potatoes, bell peppers, asparagus and green beans. Summit also has a large selection of meat.
The meat, such as beef, comes from a farm in southern Ozarks. It is 100 percent grassfed and is certified USDA organic.
Pork and chicken can also be found, and for something different Summit also carries elk.
Summit carries a variety of bread, different jams and jellies, cheese, eggs and baked goods like pies and cookies from local bakers. Everything found at Summit Produce is provided by local farmers or bakeries, items coming from over 300 different vendors in Missouri.
Summit Produce runs from April to October, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The market is stocked daily with fruits and vegetables from farmers that grow produce within 100 miles.
From November to December the farmer’s market transforms into a winter market. Summit then begins to sell a variety of chocolates, candies and cookies for the holiday season. During this time summit sells Christmas trees as well as different holiday goodies.
The produce Summit provides its customers is very different than a grocery store.
First, because it is easy to know exactly where the produce is coming from, the majority of the produce is labeled with where it was grown and if not then a staff member knows.
This is different than produce from a grocery store.
Grocery stores bring produce in from all over the country and sometimes even Mexico.
Staff members also go through every piece of produce that is delivered to Summit to check for any types of deformities, whether it is a large bruise or a small scratch.
Anything that may look suspicious is thrown out before customers are able to see it. This ensures that only the best products are out on the floor.
Grocery stores tend to just put out every piece of produce they get and have customers fish through all of it. Sometimes leaving them to buy damaged goods.
Summit produce also tries to have a special event every month, typically on Saturdays.
Coming up on May 9 is the Mayfest celebration. Also starting on May 9 is the beginning of Tunes at Ten.
From May to September summit allows local bands to play on Saturdays as customers shop.
There is also the peach festival, harvest festival and a dog days celebration.
Each event has something for everyone to do. Whether it is samples for adults or even different crafts and activities for children to do.
