Revitalizing Cleveland, Virginia
Cleveland, Virginia, a small town nestled in Russell County, boasts a rich history rooted in farming and agriculture. Despite its fertile lands and hard-working farmers, Cleveland has been without a regular community event for the past 30 years and residents have had to rely on big stores like Food City and Walmart for their groceries.
With the introduction of a bi-weekly farmers market, we set out to change that by providing a vibrant new gathering place brimming with fresh, local produce and a renewed sense of community spirit.
Our Journey to the Market
To get a better understanding of the impact, we recently chatted with Jennifer Chumbley, the former mayor of Cleveland, VA, and David Wallace, our indispensable market manager. They shared their thoughts about this market, which has brought so much life back to the town. Check out the video above to hear what they have to say in detail.
Cleveland has always produced an abundance of fresh food, but like many similar towns, much of it was shipped out, leaving locals reliant on faraway, chemically-treated produce from big chain stores like Walmart and Food City. During our sit-down, Jennifer and David emphasized the importance of the community having access to the fresh, natural food grown right in their backyard and how now with the establishment of the farmers market, residents can finally enjoy the fruits of local labor directly, fostering a healthier and more self-sustained community.
Supporting Local Farmers Supports Residents
One of the key goals of the market is to support local farmers, many of whom already use natural farming methods even if they aren’t officially certified organic. The establishment of the farmers market not only allows these farmers and gardeners to sell their goods directly to their community but it also provides an opportunity for us, The Farmers Alliance, to connect to these farmers and help empower them with guidance and tools like organic certification. By helping those who are interested get certified, farmers and producers can benefit from the premium prices the organic label provides while also providing their community with high-quality food.
We believe the farmers market can play a vital role in improving the overall health of Cleveland residents. By offering naturally produced local food, we're helping to enhance well-being and reduce dependence on medications.
The idea is simple: Healthy food leads to healthier people.
To make healthier choices easier, this bi-weekly market provides nutritional support and special provisions for senior citizens and children. These measures help make the transition to healthier lifestyles more accessible and practical for everyone.
With backing from programs like Appalachian Sustainable Development and local government institutions, we're steadily advancing towards a healthier future for Cleveland. Our collective efforts are not just about providing fresh produce but also about nurturing a community that embraces and supports healthy living.
From Soft Launch to Grand Opening
We began with a soft launch on June 8th, which turned out to be a fantastic learning experience for us. Through trial and error we identified areas to improve and fine-tuned our approach. A kind of trial by fire which would prepare us for the real deal. Then came the grand opening on June 22nd, a day filled with live music, food vendors, and fun activities for kids.
For a town that hadn’t seen such an event in decades, it was a joyous occasion that brought everyone together and filled the air with celebration and camaraderie.
Now, our market is well on its way to becoming a staple of the community, and we will be celebrating our 5th market this upcoming Saturday, August 10th.
Our First Community Initiative
This market was our first genuine effort to rally community interest and showcase local talent. Utilizing our website, QR codes, social media, and good old-fashioned face-to-face conversations, we successfully registered and featured several local producers and creators. This collaborative approach, along with support from the local government, ASD , and Reed Valley Farms, was crucial in making the market a success and ensuring it truly reflects the needs and talents of the community.
Adapting to Community Needs
Initially, we set the market hours from 3-5pm but quickly realized that the heat made it uncomfortable for everyone. So, we adapted and shifted the timing to 6-8pm, creating a cooler, more enjoyable experience. This flexibility is essential in keeping the market a pleasant and inviting place for all while also maintaining the confidence of being a consistent reliable event.
Goals for the Future
Looking ahead, we have several goals we’re excited to work towards. Jennifer Chumbley highlighted the importance of reducing our use of single-use plastics to protect the natural environment. This commitment to sustainability is particularly significant given recent events, where the community came together to successfully oppose a landfill proposal in Russell County, demonstrating their deep-rooted dedication to preserving their home. This victory shows that, regardless of economic and social standing, the people of Cleveland are passionate advocates for their environment and committed to safeguarding it for future generations.
Beyond our environmental goals, we’re excited to explore and utilize Cleveland’s wealth of local knowledge, particularly in plants and medicinal herbs, to create jobs and businesses. By collaborating with groups like the USDA, we aim to tap into Cleveland’s rich heritage, adding even more value to the town and strengthening its workforce.
The people of Cleveland care deeply about their home, and when given opportunities to empower themselves and thrive, they seize them wholeheartedly. It’s this spirit of resilience and dedication that Cleveland and communities like it embody that drives our efforts and inspires us to keep pushing forward.
Looking Ahead
Our mission goes beyond providing fresh produce. We aim to build healthier, more connected communities. This bi-weekly farmers market has become a bright spot for Cleveland, giving everyone something to look forward to and a reason to come together. We’re optimistic about the future and the positive impact this market will continue to have.
Together, we’re creating a healthier, happier future for everyone.
To learn more about The Farmers Alliance markets visit our market page. You can find everything about them including their locations, times, and socials. Keep an eye out as we'll be adding more and more as we grow!
Cleveland was just the beginning. We'll be empowering many more communities in the time to come. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with our efforts, markets and events!
We want to extend our gratitude to the USDA AMS for providing the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG), which makes our initiatives possible. Thank you for your support in helping us build stronger community food systems!
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