The Benton Harbor Farmers Market is active again for the season, and it’s been a big success in its first couple of days this month.

Market coordinator Carla Smart-White tells us the Berrien County Health Department has run the market for about 15 years now, giving Benton Harbor residents a chance to pick up fresh fruits and veggies from local growers right in the heart of the city at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park each Wednesday. They had 470 attendees at the first market of the year, and Smart-White says nearly 600 came out last week.

So, what’s new this year?

“We did get some new artisans coming through, so that’s something new this year,” Smart-White said. “We did have some pop-up vendors as well. That was a big hit.”

Smart-White says the market has 12 produce vendors, 12 artisans, four baked good sellers, and 18 community resource organizations.

“We have Corewell Health, and they do Prescription for Health. They come through, Intercare comes through. We have the Boys and Girls Club that comes through. Child Advocacy comes through. Area Agency for Aging. And that’s just to name a few.”

Smart-White says the health department is glad to provide the market to help improve the health of Benton Harbor residents. It’s got support this year from American Electric Power.

The Benton Harbor Farmers Market is each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park. Everyone’s invited.