The growing season in northeastern Minnesota is short.

But the opportunities to buy locally grown, healthy foods are many.

Farmers markets across the area are growing in popularity and expanding offerings.

“We have many new vendors this year,” said Marlise Riffel, an organizer of the Virginia Farmers Market. “We also have the Power of Produce program for kids age 4-12 starting on July 6.” 

Power of Produce (PoP) is a farmer market incentive program that each week provides a $2 token to children ages 4-12 to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal is to engage children at farmers markets and empower them to make healthful food choices.

Within the region, the PoP program is also available at the Ely and Hibbing farmers markets.

For all shoppers, it’s best to get to farmers markets early to buy the most popular items, or show up late to perhaps get the best deal, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.   

Here’s a quick list of area farmers markets. Enjoy!

Aitkin Farmers Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic Butler Building, 301 Minnesota Avenue North in Aitkin

Cook Area Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Cook

Cook County Farm and Craft Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Senior Center parking lot in downtown Grand Marais

Ely Farmers Market – Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Whiteside Park in Ely

Finland Farmers Market – Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland

Hibbing – Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. across from McDonald’s along Highway 37

Grand Rapids Farmers Market – Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. next to Glen’s Army Navy store along U.S. Highway 2

Kunnari’s Farm Market – Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along 8th Street South in Virginia

Tower Farmers Market – Fridays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. by the train in downtown Tower

Two Harbors Farmers Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon at the Band Shell park

Virginia Farmers Market – Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Virginia City Center Park near downtown