Small Business Saturday Spotlight with our Market Partner Network
Thank you to our Business Support team member, Nicole Fourman for this article!
With Small Business Saturday fast approaching, we’re excited to showcase the amazing regional producers, markets, and businesses in CRAFT’s Market Partner Network.
As you’ll see below, their offerings range from local produce and meat to unique and thoughtful gifts, covering your next holiday get-together and the toughest “I don’t need anything” person on your list. More than just great local purveyors, these businesses also support and bring vital resilience to the region’s local food economy. By participating in the Network, they have also committed to helping bring new regional products to market through CRAFT’s Market Readiness Class. Whether through market connections, shelf space, or other support, our Market Partners are helping other small food businesses reach new customers, strengthening our regional food system in the process.
Drop In Online:
Frankferd Farms has thousands of local products to choose from!
Frankferd Farms in Saxonburg specializes in organic and natural products, either growing or distributing thousands of products annually through their online store, including a large selection of regional choices. Their flour grinder even runs on solar power collected on-site, taking “solar flour power” to a whole new level.
Fruit Hill Farms is a purveyor of locally raised, grass-fed meat in East Millsboro. For up-to-date information on their beef, lamb, and pork offerings, or to place an order, check out their Facebook page (and beautiful pictures!) for more information.
Harvie is the #1 grocery delivery service in the Pittsburgh region, sourcing products from over 250 local producers. Weekly orders from the Pittsburgh-based company can also be customized to fit dietary preferences or needs with 1,500+ products to choose from. Delivery packaging is also collected each week to either be reused or recycled.
Jessi’s Chickens has been raising 100% natural, hormone and antibiotic free chickens in Mount Pleasant since 2017. Chickens are also free range and GMO free. To place an online order or to see a full list of where you can find Jessi’s products, including their chicken jerky, be sure to visit their website for more details.
Stop By In Person or Online:
Core Goods in Oil City has it all, including bulk goods, local produce, grab & go meals, and even kombucha on tap. Sustainability is core (pun intended) to their mission, as is product quality and nutritious foods. Grab your refillable containers before heading in to stock up on pantry staples and other regional products.
Edinboro Market is a Erie local food staple.
Edinboro Market is both a local fresh produce market and a hub for producer collaboration through their entrepreneurial marketplace. Check out their 40+ local product lines and classes the next time you’re in Edinboro. Also be sure to ask about their exciting 2024 expansion plans, which include a new cafe and commercial kitchen.
Freeman Family Farm is a community hub in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood offering reusable and locally sourced products. You can visit their website to schedule an appointment or to inquire about current offerings. Also be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful and larger-than-life murals if you stop by.
Harmonie Laden, located in the borough of Harmony, is a go-to destination for all your gifting needs. No matter the occasion, the gift shop has you covered, offering not only gifts, but a selection of candies, treats, and locally made goods, too. Interested in some unique consigned items? Yep, you can find those, too.
Everyone at Chatham loves Harvest Valley!
Harvest Valley Farms Market is a Gibsonia staple, offering a rotating and extensive mix of fresh produce and baked goods year round. They also offer a CSA during peak growing season and collaborate with many local vendors to stock their market. Their proximity to Chatham’s Eden Hall campus makes them a local favorite among staff and students.
Mayfly Market is an advocate for nutritious food and local businesses. In addition to delicious in-house creations, you’ll find a full range of groceries and household goods at their North Side location, including many from other Pittsburgh producers.
Miller’s Quality Meats offers a full spread of locally processed beef, pork, poultry, and deli products in the heart of Butler, including many fan favorites that are smoked in-house. A selection of produce, dairy, and grab & go options are also available, as are different meat plans that can help you change up your weekly routine.
Meadville Market House is a local one-stop-shop for everything on your list, including produce, dairy, baked goods, and even specialty items. The building dates back to 1870, making it the oldest continuously-run market structure in the state of Pennsylvania. Stop by for a taste of history and some treats when you’re next in Meadville.
Procter Center Farm provides London, Ohio, and the surrounding area with fresh, locally produced options. Their offerings can be found in the greater Columbus area, and include a produce CSA in the summer and a meat CSA as well. Organic, regenerative practices are central to their farm operations, as are educational opportunities.
A stop at Salem’s Market and Grill is essential when you’re in the Strip.
Salem’s Market & Grill has been a Pittsburgh staple since 1981. What started as a butcher shop has since grown, and you can now enjoy a range of fresh Halal meats and groceries while grabbing a bite to eat at their Strip District location. Salem’s also offers top-notch catering services that can make hosting and clean-up a breeze this holiday season.
Soergel Orchards, as their logo will tell you, has a country store in Wexford and so much more (including online ordering). Be sure to check out their produce and apples, and while you’re there, take a look at their deli, bakery, wine, home decor, and gift options, too. And don’t forget to look up–a suspended toy train track runs throughout the store.
StarkFresh Grocery Store, located in Canton, Ohio, strives to address the root causes of hunger through seed sharing, food justice work, and grocery services, including their Veggie Mobile program that’s been bringing affordable food to individuals with mobility challenges since 2014. On-farm training and food incubator services are also available.
Coming Soon:
Bidwell Urban Farm Shop, coming in fall 2024, will provide the Chateau neighborhood with educational opportunities and sustainably sourced, locally produced, and affordable healthy options. A cutting-edge, on-site dry hydroponic growing system will support their production, reducing the inputs and food miles needed to bring their produce to market.
As you’re making your list and checking it twice, we encourage you to visit these vital local businesses this holiday season and beyond. We here at CRAFT appreciate all that they do to support and strengthen our regional food economy, and we’re sure you will, too!
If you’re a local or regional food business interested in joining CRAFT’s Market Partner Network, please find more information and a link to sign up on our website. You can also reach us at craft@chatham.edu with any questions.