Uniting And Empowering Communities Through The Local Marketplace

A united community undoubtedly fosters love, growth, and economic development. However, achieving this is no easy task, considering the amount of work and intentionality required. Jonathan Haskin and his team appear to have cracked this code. How, you ask? Well, they have done so by providing a platform, a Local Marketplace to promote locally and organically grown products.

Jonathan Haskin, the co-founder of buylocalmarket.org, and his team are the brains behind the Groves Marketplace and the Fall Creek farmers’ Market in Humble, Texas.

Jonathan and his wife Andrea Haskin are co-owners to the businesses of Buy Local, the perfect duo have joined forces in pushing this agenda of by local and eat organic.

 

 

 

Together with their team, they are changing the narrative. These two local marketplaces have created a huge platform for buying and selling wholesome foods, fruits, drinks, vegetables, and a variety of other edibles.

An idea that started off as just a place for buying, selling and promoting healthy living has transformed into a hub for socializing, networking, and community unification.

In this interview, Jonathan, an optimal health leader, shares insights into why they prioritize the health and safety of what goes into the body by running a strictly organic local marketplaces. He also explains the methods they use to achieve this goal.

“The initial intent was to connect people with the local food source, hence the brand name “Buy Local.” Our goal is to find the highest quality of local, farm-fresh foods within a 250-mile radius of the Groves local Marketplace. We ensure that the farms have insurance, treat the soil and animals properly, and do not use chemicals. Additionally, we make sure they are registered with Harris County.”

 

 

The buy local team also ensures to interview vendors to understand their values, vision, and expectations. They believe this is important because of their deep respect for families and communities, and their ultimate goal is to create a place filled with love.

“You come here and find fresh food, families, love, kids, pets, and nature; everything life is supposed to be.”

Thursdays at the Groves MarketPlace and Sundays at the Fall Creek farmers’ Market, is where everyone meet. The place is open to the public who live within 250 miles of the Groves and Fall Creek Market Place respectively.

 

 

 

Although an amenity for the groves, the local marketplace has now become the center of attention, showcasing the beauty of the community and providing access to farm-fresh foods. Five years after the concept of promoting buying local was conceived, they reflect on their progress with pride and remain highly optimistic about the future.

“For 5 years, we have maintained the standard of the place, We have established a strong presence in the community, with people visiting weekly, hosting parties, and bringing their loved ones. It has now become a Thursday ritual at the Groves Local Marketplace’’

To maintain standards, they have been guided by rules and maintained zero tolerance for unhealthy and inorganic products that could be harmful to the body, according to Mr. Haskin.

 

“All we want is traditional, sustainable natural farming with 100% organic products produced by local farmers, without buying to resell”

In the past five years, they have achieved a lot and are determined to keep growing and thinking global, but Currently, their focus is on taking small steps, refining their operations, and then advancing to the next level.

“We have plans in place for the future. This place will continue to grow and be a destination where you can come to get your food and groceries weekly, meet the farmers, and have real conversations about why it is important to buy local. Additionally, we will create awareness about the importance of knowing the source of what you consume”

 

The market’s impact on the community is significant, Mr. Huskin stated.

“It has been economically rewarding. It’s a full-time job for farmers, bakers, and artisans. With the support of the community and a thriving market, they have sustained a healthy lifestyle and are financially and physically able to come out to sell their goods weekly”

The team at BuyLocal.com hopes that visitors to the local marketplace will not only leave with their purchases, but also with love, smiles, and a renewed focus on health. Ultimately, they aim to foster a global mindset and promote local businesses and brands, leaving visitors with positive memories.

Photocredit @buylocalmarke.org