Bradenton Farmers' Market Launches Online Store

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Bradenton Farmers’ Market has launched an online store to purchase local fruits, produce, and artisan foods directly from local vendors. In response to Florida’s Safer-At-Home Order, the physical weekly market has been canceled through May 8. Realize Bradenton engaged many market vendors and developed Shop.RealizeBradenton.com, an online storefront with curbside pickup every Saturday.

Beginning Monday, April 20, at 4 p.m., customers may shop and securely place their online order by visiting Shop.RealizeBradenton.com. All orders placed between Monday at 4 p.m. and Wednesday at 9 p.m. will be fulfilled on Saturday of the same week. To pick up an order, customers must bring a copy of their confirmation email (or have it available on their smartphone) to the designated pickup location on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to Noon, at 1302 4th Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton. Customers are encouraged to open their trunk and have volunteers load the order into their vehicle.

"Our connection with the vendors and local growers is more than a business relationship–it’s a collaboration. Together, we brainstormed ideas about how we could bring products and fresh produce to the community at the time that they need it most. This cooperation is what makes the Bradenton Farmers’ Market extra special,“ said Peg Haynes, Farmers’ Market Manager.

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market Online Store will begin with eight vendors: Milagros Farms, Sunshine Canning, Olive Branch, Pure Florida Honey, Saucy Guys, Honeyside Organic Farms, Blue Lily Farm, and Hickey Hollow Urban Farm. A variety of locally grown produce, organic produce, sauces, pickled vegetables, jam, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and locally produced honey will be offered. The Bradenton Farmers’ Market expects to include additional vendors in time.

"The support from the City of Bradenton was key to bringing this effort to fruition. Their suggestion that the Farmers’ Market use the City of Bradenton parking lot for staging and pickup clearly demonstrates their support for the market, as well as their citizen-first mentality,“ said Johnette Isham, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton.

In addition to accepting PayPal and major credit cards, those who purchase their food products at the market using the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Fresh Access Bucks (FAB), which are USDA funded nutrition incentive programs, can also place their orders online.

Realize Bradenton continues to support downtown businesses and restaurants that have online shopping and carry-out orders through their Bring It Home campaign. For the latest information about how to support local downtown Bradenton businesses, visit RealizeBradenton.com/BringItHome.