Seasonal Shopping at Farmers Market

We had an amazing opening weekend at the Grinnell Farmers Market season and are excited to do it all over again! Check out some of our opening weekend photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Next week, we have our returning vendor, Olson Garden Market, hosting Plant-A-Pizza once again! During this free event, market shoppers can plant a free basil, tomato, or onion plant. Once you grow your ingredients, you can start baking some pizza at home! Join them on Thursday, May 29 and Saturday, May 31, and participate in some of our other events, listed in the “Upcoming Market Events” section of the newsletter.

Also, make sure to take advantage of our new Saturday market hours! Saturday markets are now open from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Enjoy the luxuries of local, fresh, and handmade goods while you can — savor the season!

In This Newsletter:

• Announcements, including information about food assistance!
• Meet the Vendors: Olson Garden Market
• Shop Seasonally!
• Sponsor Highlight: Total Choice
• Upcoming Market Events
• Who and Where is Lauren?
• Sponsor Recognition

Food Assistance:

Using SNAP at Market



The Grinnell Farmers Market accepts cash and token transactions — but most importantly, money from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)!

On the corner of Broad St. and 4th Ave., the Market will have a card reader available for those wishing to purchase tokens with their SNAP EBT cards. Use your SNAP tokens for food items, including:

• Fruits and vegetables;
• Meat, poultry, and fish;
• Dairy products;
• Breads and cereals; and
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

Note: Market shoppers can also purchase tokens with debit and credit cards.

The Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program will continue for the 2025 season, as well. Customers are able to earn DUFB when purchasing SNAP tokens or spend DUFB earned at Fareway for qualifying products at Market. Learn more on the DoubleUpIowa.org website.

For help on how to purchase food products and goods at Market, contact the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, 641-236-6555.

Call for Local Artists

The Farmers Market is seeking local musicians to play during Market hours. If you or someone you know is interested, contact the Chamber of Commerce, 641-236-6555, or email communications@getintogrinnell.com.

2025 Customer Survey Now Open

In recognizing the value of Grinnell Farmers Market shopper experiences, we invite you to complete the 2025 Farmers Market Customer Survey as you shop throughout the Market season.

If you encounter a specific situation that needs immediate attention, email us at farmersmarket@getintogrinnell.com, or call 641-236-6555. Market manager Lauren Emge will also be available onsite at Market.

New Hours at Saturday Market

Based on customer and vendor feedback, our Saturday markets are now open from 9:30 a.m.- noon. Thursday market hours will continue to run from 3-6 p.m.

Note: The Grinnell Farmers Market is a SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) certified market, which requires our market and vendors to follow a set start time. Purchases can be made once the whistle has blown!

Kerri & Brian Olson

If you've been to the Grinnell Farmers Market over the years, chances are you’ve met Kerri and Brian Olson — one of our longest-standing and beloved market vendors. When asked what they love most about the Grinnell Farmers Market, their answer is simple: “We love the customers and love supporting the community!” On May 29 and 31, they will be hosting their annual Plant-A-Pizza event — join them to plant tomato, basil, and onion!

Kerri and Brian Olson have deep Iowa roots. Kerri grew up in Ames and moved to Grinnell in 1999. Brian, originally from Marengo, made the move to Grinnell in 1996. Together, they’ve built a popular farmers market business, Olson Garden Market. So far this season, they have grown lettuce, radishes, rhubarb, asparagus, and cucumbers. Soon, they will also introduce kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale to the Farmers Market! Make sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates on their produce selections.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more of our amazing vendors throughout the season. Next time you are at Farmers Market, stop by and say hi to the Olsons! You can use cash for purchases or exchange your SNAP and debit/credit card dollars for tokens! As always, savor the season!

In May, we released our full seasonal guide, which will be updated as our vendors let us know what produce they will sell at market. One exciting new addition are bell peppers from Bill Sager, B&J Vegetables!

Read through our full seasonal guide on our Facebook page, which spotlights health benefits, too!

Lauren Emge is the Grinnell Farmers Market on-site market manager! She will be on the corner of Broad St. and 4th Ave on Thursdays and Saturdays. When she is not there, you can find Nikki Armstead, who is happy to help as well!

Lauren or Nikki can help you find specific products or vendors or exchange your SNAP and debit/credit card dollars to tokens to use at Market. They are always happy to answer any questions about market, too. Stop by and say hi!