Montgomery, Ala. – Sweet Grown Alabama brought fresh, local flavor to Montgomery with a special pop-up farmers market on Wednesday, held in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ 22nd Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch at the Ed Teague Arena. This marks the fifth consecutive year a farmers market has been a part of the beloved summer tradition.
The pop-up market featured Alabama-grown tomatoes, pecans, jams, jellies and fruits from several farmers and producers across the state. Guests attending the Tomato Sandwich Lunch were able to purchase fresh goods directly from local growers, helping support Alabama agriculture and promote farm-to-table living.
“This event is a wonderful way to connect consumers with the hardworking farmers who grow their food,” said Aisling Walding, Assistant Director of Sweet Grown Alabama. “We are proud to support this tradition and spotlight the incredible variety of Alabama-grown products. There’s nothing better than celebrating local products with the people who grow them!”
Tomato Sandwich Lunch
The Tomato Sandwich Lunch, hosted annually by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, is a summer staple that celebrates some of Alabama’s most iconic produce. Attendees enjoyed classic tomato sandwiches made with locally grown tomatoes from Aplin Farms in Slocomb, lettuce from Extreme Green Farms in Auburn, onions from Panther Creek Produce in Luverne and corn from McKenzie Farms in Fairhope. Attendees supported local agriculture with every bite and every purchase from the market.
In partnership with Wallace State Community College and the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Sweet Grown Alabama also handed out fried green tomato samples cooked with local green tomatoes.
For many farmers, the opportunity to engage directly with the public and other agriculture supporters is a highlight of the summer season.
“It’s always great to be here,” said Allen Mills, owner of Prattville Honey Farm in Autauga County. “Not only do we get to sell our local honey, but we get to meet the folks who enjoy what we produce. Events like this remind people how important it is to buy local.”
Vendors in Attendance
Vendors in attendance included:
4C Farms, Fitzpatrick
Bayou Pecan Company, Irvington
Flying Basset Farms, Forest Home
Jones Farm, Prattville
Moo Maven, Prattville
Palmer Farms, Wetumpka
Prattville Honey Farm, Prattville
Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, works year-round to connect Alabama farmers with consumers. The pop-up market initiative is just one of the many ways the organization supports and promotes the state’s agricultural community.
For more information about Sweet Grown Alabama and upcoming events, visit www.sweetgrownalabama.org.