Oct. 25, 2022 — Autumn is finally here — which means winter is just around the corner. It is time to “Fill Your Pantry” at the third annual Florence Farmers Market’s one-day bulk buying event. This year will be indoors at the Siuslaw Middle School auxiliary gym, 2525 Oak St., on Sunday, Nov. 6, starting from noon to 3 p.m.

Local and regional vendors will provide overwintering storage crops like onions, squash, apples and potatoes, a wide variety of flours, grains and beans, as well as eggs, nuts, goat milk products, baked and specialty foods, honey, mushrooms, blueberries, pickles, jam and coffee beans.

To expand buying options, health and wellness items are being added, items like soaps, lotions, household cleaners and fresh herbal tinctures and hydrosols.

The marker will have music provided throughout the event by Robbie Dee and Terry Kloepfer.

Some new vendors this year will be the local home decor business, Word of Mouth, hosting a great “RePlenish” station with an assortment of cleaning supplies for people and their homes. People can also get knives sharpened with Joe Winters of Oregon Coast Sharp. Coffee Stained Creations, a new local coffee roaster, will be selling all types of bulk whole bean and ground coffee varieties.

The Community Table will sponsor a fundraising Bake Shoppe event and Seed Swap. People can contact Britte Kirsch at [email protected] if they are interested in participating in these opportunities.

Also, there will be several local non-profits sharing information and ideas during the event. Lynn Tanner from the Douglas County Master Food Preserver Program will have storage tips and information on stocking a winter pantry, and our faithful Master Recyclers will give out free reusable produce bags and take away containers. Melinda Garcia, Coordinator for the Lane County 4 H Program, will be hosting a Food Drive at her booth to help “Fill The Pantry” for the Florence Food Share. Stop by and drop off any currently dated non-perishable canned goods or other packaged food items — anything big or small is appreciated.

A list of all the participating vendors can be found at www.florencefarmersmarket.org.

There will be day-of market style shopping and online ordering to shop at home before the event. Online pre-ordering will only be available from Sunday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 30, on florencefarmersmarket.localfoodmarketplace.com.

Please note that payment for online purchases will be made the day you pick up your items at the event. No credit cards will be charged prior to pick up. There is a no show / no refund policy. Make sure you shop early for the best selection.

If you use an Oregon Trail Card or are part of the Prescription Rx Program, market staff encourages you to attend and shop! Stop by the Market Manager Booth to get your card processed or to pick up vouchers.

Once again, we will provide financial scholarships to three Community organizations who supply meals to those in need. These scholarships will allow them to purchase fresh local foods to stock their pantries for the season.

We never tire of saying we could not do this without our sponsors. This year these include PeaceHealth, Nosh Eatery, Shawn Fleming Construction and Rekindled Restorations.

Many thanks to the community for supporting the Florence Farmers Market all season long and much appreciation to all those enthusiastic volunteers, staff and board members who support the weekly market and more.

The Florence Farmers Market, a 501c3 nonprofit, supports regional farm and food businesses to promote overall community health and collaborates with local businesses and nonprofits. Learn more at www.florence
farmersmarket.org.