Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Bring on the longer days, backyard barbecues and pool parties. Summer produce complements any meal, including dessert. With so many sweet fruits like melon and peaches making an appearance this week, the possibilities are limitless.

Community Food Bank’s Farmers Markets

Santa Cruz River & Community Food Bank Farm Stands

The Community Food Bank serves so many southern Arizonans. But providing food security isn’t the only thing they do. Look at their programs ranging from education to advocacy and also helping families setup personal and community gardens.

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market at Mercado San Agustin – Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Breckenfeld Family Growers will bring an incredible array of alliums, including freshly harvested Silverskin Garlic.
• Sleeping Frog Farm has one of the summer’s best fruit offerings – peaches!

El Pueblo Mobile Market, El Rio Parking lot, Irvington Road and 6^th Avenue – Monday 3:00  – 5:00 p.m

 Community Food Bank Farm Stand, 3003 S. Country Club Road – Tuesday 8:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m

• The small, local farmers participating this week in the Abundant Harvest Cooperative have herbs, citrus, potatoes and varieties of salad greens for you to enjoy.

For more information, visit communityfoodbank.org.

Food in Root

St. Philip’s Plaza and Plaza Palomino

Food in Root focuses on quality food and growing small vendors’ businesses. Each market holds a unique place in our community and encourages keeping a local mindset. Hardly a day goes by when there isn’t a Food in Root market happening around town and that is something to be thankful for.

St. Philip’s Plaza Classic Farmers Market, 4280 N. Campbell Avenue –  Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamic has a physical store location in St. Philip’s Plaza, but also sets up a booth at the market. Stop by to learn about the oils and taste the difference quality makes.
• Big Sky Farms, located in Wilcox, brings their farm fresh eggs every week to the market. The eggs are the product of pasture raised, organic fed chickens.

Plaza Palomino Saturday Mercado, 2960 N. Swan Road – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• The Ginger Bread Lady bakes her bread from scratch and raises money for Sold No More, a nonprofit in Tucson. Skip the store bought stuff and get a fresh loaf for your sandwiches.
• Hand Picked Produce has orange flesh honeydew melons to entice you. Their recommendation for eating the melon? Slice it in half and serve it with vanilla ice cream in the center.

For more information, visit  foodinroot.com.

Heirloom Farmers Market

Rillito Park, Oro Valley & Trail Dust Town

This is the last week to sign up for a CSA share with local farmers at all three of the Heirloom Farmers Market locations. The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) establishes a partnership with farmers in the area and ensure you also get a share of the fruit and vegetables being harvested. specifics on participating farms and locations, check out heirloomfm.org.

Rillito Park, 4502 N. 1^st Avenue – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Genuine Creamery and Donuts strives to make ice cream and donuts great again. They take quality ingredients and combine them to create the best tasting flavors. This vendor sells out quickly each week. Get to the market early if you want to snag one of the tempting donuts.

Oro Valley, 10901 N. Oracle Road – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• High Energy Agriculture picks the freshest possible produce with the maximum nutrient value each morning of the market. A family owned and operated business located in Marana, look to this vendor for in season, delicious fruits and vegetables.

Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Southwest Bee Supply produces 100%, Arizona Mesquite Honey and Desert Wildflower Honey. They also make and sell beeswax, royal jelly, honeystix and beekeeping supplies.

For more information, visit heirloomfm.org.