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Michigan farmers turn to Facebook to sell produce, other goods online during pandemic

Posted at 6:08 AM, May 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-07 09:09:03-04

ADA, Mich. — An organic vegetable farm in West Michigan is now adapting to the digital marketplace and offering a new way to shop for local food.

Green Wagon Farm in Ada has rallied farmers and producers to create an easy-to-use Facebook-based market in which customers can order and pick up their items once a week.

The Reko Market launched Thursday for the first time in West Michigan. Each week, small farms will post their products in the Facebook group, and then people can pick up the items the week after.

The market allows people to avoid grocery stores while supporting local businesses.

"We are excited to offer this online option to shop local and hope to provide easier access for customers to support their local economy," said farm manager Heather Anderson. :With this pandemic, we see the benefits of offering online payment, having shorter lines at a less busy market and knowing where your food comes from."

Vendors include bakeries and a local ice cream shop in addition to farms producing vegetables, meats, eggs, tea, herbs, and honey.

A list of vendors can be found online.

This story was originally published by WXMI in Grand Rapids, Michigan.