- Where will the market be located; and what day and hours will it be open?
- The market takes place at the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Facility, North Port, FL located at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway in Venice, FL 34293. The market takes place every Wednesday from October through the end of March from 8 AM to Noon. There may be occasional blackout dates due to spring training games or holidays.
- Is the Atlanta Braves Farmers Market a non-profit organization?
- Our market is a not-for-profit 501c3 enterprise operating under the guidance of Friends of Sarasota County Parks. Our proceeds, after operating costs, will be donated to local food banks, care clinics, public parks and other non-profit organizations that add value to the quality of life in our local community
- How do I contact the Atlanta Braves Farmers Market?
- Feel free to visit our website @ www.atlantabravesfarmersmarket.org You may also call (941) 445-9209 or e-mail us at: info@bravesfarmersmarkt.org
- The ABFM provides SNAP/Fresh Access Bucks at their market. What is SNAP and how does Fresh Access Bucks work?
- SNAP is an acronym for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that used to be known as Food Stamps. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Farm Bill to assist lower income U.S. citizens in purchasing food for themselves and their families. Food insecurity is a significant problem that especially impacts children and the ABFM is qualified as a SNAP retail location to assist in addressing that issue in our community by offering healthy nutritional choices at our farmers market. Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) is a program that provides grant funds through the Feeding Florida organization. It allows us to double the dollars our SNAP participants use to buy food at our market by matching up to $40.00 every week. The matching funds must be used to purchase Florida grown fruits and vegetables. The program is a win-win for our community and Florida farmers!
- Why isn’t the market on a weekend?
- In order to attract the best vendors in our region, we needed to pick a weekday. The best and most popular vendors are already committed to other regional farmers markets during the weekend. Wednesday allows for an additional sales day for both our vendors and the community.
- How can I volunteer with the Atlanta Braves Farmers Market?
- We are so glad you asked! Our organization has many opportunities for potential volunteers. Some types of jobs where community members are needed are: 1. Site setup before the market which includes hanging banners, laying out the vendor booths and setting out our flags, 2. Staffing our booth during the market requiring assisting in our SNAP program to address food insecurity in our community. 3. Setting up our tent and tables and being available to answer questions and hand out literature. 4. Participating in our marketing and public relations efforts through the delivery of flyers and community outreach to various organizations in our region; and 5. Assisting with the organizing and filing of the market’s survey and other data collection activities.
- How can vendors participate in the market?
- Upon visiting our website at www.atlantabravesfarmersmarket.org you may click on the box titled “Download Vendor Forms Here”. You can then download a vendor application that you can either scan and return via e-mail or return by mail to the address located on the application. You may also contact us by phone (941) 445-9209 or click here for via our online contact form
- How are vendors selected for the market?
- The ABFM organization has selected a review committee who reviews each application. Authenticity and quality of product, vendor experience, and community desirability are key elements in the decision-making process. The main focus of the market is fresh produce, prepared foods, plants, flowers and products that support the farm to table culinary movement such as spices and cooking oils. The vast majority of these products would not be available through local retail outlets. The committee looks closely for diversity in our product availability while avoiding unnecessary duplication.
- Do vendors need licenses and/or permits?
- Depending on the type of product that the vendor chooses to sell, they each need to have the required state and/or county permits and licenses. Some vendors are required to have refrigeration and portable sinks where specific food handling is performed. A Sarasota County sales tax certificate is required. The best resources for what is required is the Florida agricultural department which can be contacted at www.florida-agriculture.com and the Sarasota tax office which can be contacted at www.sarasotataxcollector.com
- Do vendors need insurance?
- Yes. Each vendor is required to have liability insurance. You must add the entities listed below as a certificate holder. The legal entities for the Atlanta Braves Farmers Market for liability insurance are as follows:
Sarasota County Government
Attn: Risk Management
1660 Ringling Blvd., 3rd Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236
Friends of Sarasota County Parks
234 Nippino Trail E. Unit #101
Nokomis, FL 34275
Atlanta Braves National League
Baseball Club LLC
755 Battery Avenue SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
West Villages
2501A Burns Rd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Interested in becoming a vendor at the Atlanta Braves Farmers Market?
Get started by visiting our vendor information area
or
downloading a vendor application!
Address:
18800 S. West Villages Parkway
Venice, FL 34293
Hours:
October thru March
Wednesdays 8am-Noon
OUR PARTNERS
