ASAP’s Weekly Farmers Market Report - April 18, 2025

Fresh at Farmers Markets

Photo by Camilla Calnan Photography

As more markets open over the coming weeks—like Enka Candler Farmers Market on Thursday, April 24—this annual reopening is a vital opportunity to support local farmers who play a crucial role in sustaining our regional food systems and economies. To help make your trip to market more exciting and easeful, here are some simple tips to help you make the most of your market visits—and feel good knowing your choices are helping our communities grow and thrive.

Shopping at a farmers market is as much about the experience as it is about the fresh food. To make the most of your visit, a little preparation goes a long way as markets can be busy places with different traffic flows, parking situations, payment methods, pet policies, and more.

Start by checking the market’s website or social media for parking information, hours of operation, directions, and accessibility information—especially if it's your first time or if the market has changed locations. Many Buncombe County farmers markets are near bus stops or have bike parking areas, too. Unless there is an extreme weather event, most markets stay open rain or shine! While it isn’t as applicable right now, know that some markets have different hours for their holiday or winter season markets than their main season.

Curious about who will be at market and what products and produce they will be bringing? Some markets offer updates on attending vendors through their website, social media, or weekly newsletter. Stay in the know and sign up for the market’s newsletter for important updates, seasonal offerings, special events, vendor spotlights, and more.

Farmers markets can get very busy and often have peak visit times. If you have the flexibility—and as you get to know your favorite or neighborhood farmers market—plan your visit around heavy traffic times so it may be easier to find parking and navigate the market. This is a case where the early bird gets the worm! If you want to make sure the items or ingredients you are looking for don’t sell out, get there early. Don’t be afraid to swing by later, too—you might score some end-of-day deals.

If you are wondering how to pay, most vendors accept cash, credit, and debit. If you have SNAP, head to the market’s information booth to swipe your EBT card and exchange or tokens to spend at market. Each market (that accepts SNAP) has their own SNAP token that can only be redeemed at that market. If your market participates in ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program, double your SNAP up to $20 for Farm Fresh Buck tokens and spend those at any participating market—see a full list and learn more about SNAP at farmers markets at asapconnections.org/snap. Many markets have credit/debit tokens too, in case you are buying from a vendor who doesn’t have a card reader and you’re out of cash.

Once you're on your way, don’t forget to bring your reusable bags, boxes, and carts to fill! You might end up getting more than you expect and most vendors don't have free grocery bags available. A small cooler or insulated bag is also a good addition if you plan to buy perishable items like dairy, eggs, or meat—especially in the high heat of the year. Don’t be afraid to have an accessibility moment and bring your bag on wheels—especially if you plan to buy a lot or have to walk a bit back to your vehicle. Many markets sell branded tote bags too, so you can carry all your goods, sport your favorite market, and support the market’s ongoing operations and programming.

Once you’re at the market, take time to explore all the vibrant sights, bustling sounds, and of course, delicious smells! Get to know the farmers and food producers who make this region resilient and delicious. Be open to trying new foods—farmers often grow unique or heirloom varieties that aren’t available in grocery stores. If you’re unsure how to prepare something, just ask! If you made something delicious with their produce, tell them! Most farmers are passionate about what they grow and love sharing recipes or storage tips and love hearing from their customers. Getting to know your farmers not only deepens your appreciation for where your food comes from but also helps strengthen a sense of community.

At markets now you’ll also find kohlrabi, cabbages, potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes, carrots, mushrooms, other spring alliums like ramps, green onions, leeks, and green garlic, a wide variety of tender and hearty greens, and more. Markets offer an abundance of farm-fresh eggs and meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. You can also get bread, cheese, pastries, fermented products, drinks, and prepared foods. During springtime, find annual and perennial plant starts for your gardens along with fresh flowers. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org.

Connect with ASAP


appalachiangrown.org | asapconnections.org

ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.


Upcoming Events

4/13 - 11/16
Barn Yoga 2025 at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Sundays

4/19
Outdoor Yoga in the Garden

4/25
ASAP’s Appalachian Grown Gathering

4/26
Outdoor Yoga in the Garden

Pizza Saturdays in the Garden

Family Music & Crafts in the Garden

4/27
Family Yoga in the Garden

Macram� Rooting Jar Workshop

5/14
Growing Minds Farm to School Virtual Training

Find upcoming events (or post your own) atasapconnections.org.

News from ASAP


ASAP's Growing Minds program will host another Farm to School virtual training for educators on Wednesday, May 14, 3:30-4:45 p.m.

This training will teach about the different components of farm to school, how to use Growing Minds' toolkits and resources to support farm to school goals, insights from farm to school champions, and brainstorm activities to get started. All are welcome no matter what age you teach or what your experience with farm to school is! Register here.

Local Food and Farm News


A lot has changed since Helene for farmers who sell a significant percentage of their goods to area restaurants. Many restaurants who were leaders in local food sourcing have closed and markets have shifted for area growers.

An article by Mountain Xpress, with data pulled from ASAP's recently released Appalachian Grown Producer Survey, conducted in December, shared that, "Taking into account all markets — including restaurants, as well as farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, grocery stores, food relief sites and more — Helene impacted the income streams of 60% of the 185 farmers who responded."

The Mountain Xpress article goes into more detail with various farms who have been impacted. Read more from ASAP's recent Producer Survery here.



ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) - 306 W. Haywood Street - Asheville - NC - 28801

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