FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (May 21, 2015) -- From grass-fed beef to freshly-picked lettuce, Colyer Park was the place to purchase local goods Friday at Fort Leonard Wood's inaugural farmers' market.
Fort Leonard Wood resident Molly Houser picked up some meat and cheese at the market.
"This is awesome to have on post, it is so convenient for us," Houser said. "I have some fresh recipes in mind for these items."
Shoppers echoed that sentiment across Colyer Park.
"I like to support the local farmers and merchants. It is smart for the community, and a lot of time the products are better," said Capt. Megan Machin, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School.
John Myers, Lighting M Ranch, has been serving in the Army for more than 15 years. He had a booth at the market with grass-fed beef, fruits and nuts he produced at his farm in Richland.
He said he was proud to be able to serve military Families on Fort Leonard Wood.
"When I heard about the new farmers' market, I knew I wanted to participate," the National Guard Soldier said.
Myers said he started farming because he wanted to raise food that he knew was healthy for his Family to eat.
"It feels great to help others. I am worried about our food security -- the health of our food especially. At the store, you never really know what you are getting," Myers said. "We try to keep our prices close to store prices. It shouldn't cost more to eat healthy."
The market, sponsored by the Pulaski County Sheltered Workshop, is scheduled to be held monthly in conjunction with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's monthly Family movie nights.
The Pulaski County Sheltered Workshop is a nonprofit in Richland that provides employment to disabled individuals in the area.
For the first few markets, organizers expect about 10 vendors and two education vendors, the Pulaski County Master Gardeners and the Pulaski County Permaculture Club.
Future markets will be held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates, at the following locations: June 12 at Colyer Park, July 17 at the FMWR Rec Plex, Aug. 28 at Colyer Park and Sept. 18 at Colyer Park.
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