Merriam Organic Market is run as a non-profit organization created to support, defend and publicize the responsible operations of LOCAL organically-grown, sustainable and free-range  growers and food producers in the greater and extended Kansas City area; and to provide a safe, clean and equitable venue for the sale of their sustainably-grown fresh produce and other healthy food products.  We also support local artisans who make what they sell, local green and progressive organizations of all kinds. 

---

A green-minded community does exist in Johnson County (Kansas), and an Organic Farmer's Market can be a constructive and productive focal point, a place where conservation, ecology, economics and education can happen simultaneously.  

"Think globally, shop locally" isn't just a catchy slogan - it's a commitment to change.  If you haven't found a way to accomplish a regular reduction of your carbon footprint, consider weekly purchases from M.O.M. in Merriam, KS. 

How does the public benefit?

• Healthy foods make healthy people.  At M.O.M. we insist that our food vendors must be or deal directly with local producers who Pledge to use Organic methods.

• By "keeping it local," at Merriam Organic Market the food-miles on your purchases could easily average less than 80.  That's a huge improvement over the 1300 to 1500-mile average at a conventional supermarket or "mixed" farmers market.  Add to that the elimination of petro-chemicals from the growing methods for our crops, and you're really blunting the horns of the Omnivore's Dellemma.

• Our meat producers use no added-hormones, no prophylactic antibiotics, and they use humane, free-range pasturing methods to keep their animals healthy.  Some of our ranchers are close to being organically certified, having migrated to wholly green & sustainable soil, pasture & stock management methods.

• Community and Education grow hand-in-hand.  Going far beyond making local food available, we believe that we (eaters & growers) must get to know each other again - in an effort to re-connect directly with local buyers, our producers stand ready & willing to pass on the benefit of their years of agriculture & business experience.

• Art is where we Make it.  In addition to our food producers, we have a number of local artisans & craftspeople signed up to sell at our market - you, your friends and family can get to know these self-styled folks, young and old, who put their minds and hands to work creating their own "brand" of quality.

Merriam Organic Market is a non-profit endeavor, created to provide a friendly, low-cost marketing opportunity for small, local and green businesses and organizations, an incubator-in-the-making.  All proceeds which exceed weekly costs (mostly rental and insurance) will be used to extend, promote and publicize the market.

We welcome your conscientious patronage - Merriam Organic Market will be open Tuesdays from 4-8pm through September 16th, 2008.