Perfect Timing

New growers market exceeds organizers’ expectations.
By Sean Aronson

With the possible change in the Young Brothers delivery service, the need for fresh, local produce is more important than ever.  And an upstart growers market could be just the thing to make that produce available to fellow Molokai residents.

The Aina Momona Grower’s Market began last week and looks to establish itself as a weekday compliment to the Saturday Farmer’s Market.  It is held Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 3:30 to 6pm of each week.  The market occurs in the parking lot of Molokai Community Service Council, across the street from Molokai Burger.

Organizer P.J. White said their first day was a resounding success with a steady stream of people buying products from plants to corn to wood.  

The event was so successful that everything was sold in less than an hour.  And the Tuesday market was canceled because there was nothing else to sell.  At least 25 people were turned away on Tuesday because everything had sold the day before.

White said they need lots more contributors, and it seems there is clearly a market for a variety of products.  And if the first week was any indication, vendors will have no trouble selling everything they bring.

The Growers Market is also expanding to include fish and shrimp, according to White.

As of now, the market has 12 local growers, selling a variety of produce and herbs.  The growers include medium sized farms like Beach Boy and Kumu as well as individuals such as Mana`e resident Mike Kelly, who sold keawe wood.

“We have a good selection of items,” said White.  “We just need more of everything.”

White said with the proposed barge schedule changes limiting the amount of perishable food that will come from Maui, buying and selling Molokai-grown produce is a great idea.  She hopes it will put an even greater emphasis on getting local food from the tree to the dinner table.

“People like to have to fresh stuff and what better way of getting in than from your neighbor,” said White.

If you would like to sell your extra produce, please contact P.J. White at 567-6713.