COMMUNITY GARDEN MARKET

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What is the Community Garden Market?

A:   The Community Garden Market, operated by Heart and Hand House, Inc., was initially established as a place where local gardeners could supplement their income by selling their surplus fruits and vegetables. Over the years it also has become a place where people come together to share ideas, learn new growing or cooking techniques, support one another, and just catch up on community news. The garden market promotes the health and well-being of our community, not only from a nutritional standpoint, but economically, as well as socially. 

Q:  How is the Community Garden Market different than other farmer’s markets?

A:   At a typical farmer’s market, when growers bring in their produce they have to stay on site and set up their own displays and do the selling themselves. Growers at our market are able to drop off their items with us and our market manager and a team of great volunteers take care of the rest. This allows growers who may have other employment to participate in the market.

Q:  What do I have to do to be able to participate in the market?

A:   Just bring your produce items to the market and sign a simple grower’s contract that specifies how you want us to handle produce that is not selling – you may choose to pick up unsold items or have the prices reduced for quick sale. You also have the option of donating produce to our food pantry program. You will be assigned a grower number that will be used to track your produce sales.

Q:  Are any special permits required?

A:  No special permits or licenses are required for selling fresh fruits and vegetables, however vendors who want to sell other items such as baked goods, eggs, meats, honey, jams or jellies are subject to certain guidelines and restrictions. Please contact us for details or click the following link to view the Farmers Market Vendor Guide, published by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources: Farmers Market Vendor Guide - PDF  A condensed Vendor Guide for those interested in selling jams and jellies or baked goods is available Here.

Q:  What does it cost to participate?

A:  The market fee is 20% of a producer's gross sales, and helps Heart and Hand to cover the administrative and operating costs of the market (including advertising, tax reports, and other paperwork required by various government entities.) 

Q:  How are prices set?

A:    Prices are set by Heart and Hand based on input from the growers and research on competitive market rates.

Q:  What forms of payment are accepted at the market?

A:   Cash, personal checks, debit and credit cards are accepted at the market, as well as SNAP EBT (food stamps) and WV Farmer’s Market Program coupons (distributed to seniors and WIC recipient each summer). 

For further information, please call the Community Garden Market during market hours at 304-457-5774 or call the office of Heart and Hand House at 304-457-1295.