Lodi farmers market expands with focus on healthy food access

LODI — The Medina County Health Department expanded its Lodi farmers market this year as part of an effort to increase access to fresh, locally grown food in the village.
The market, launched in 2025 through the health department’s Creating Healthy Communities grant, returned this year with additional market dates. The second market is scheduled for Sept. 17, according to Erin Schmitt of the Medina County Health Department.
“We started the market based on our Creating Healthy Communities grant, which works on healthy eating and active living and we’re doing this one and another in September,” Schmitt said.
The market is designed to address a lack of grocery options in Lodi while supporting local farmers and producers, according to Community Health Director Michael Metcalf.
“One of the biggest reasons we started it, and we’re expanding it, is just to increase access to healthy food,” Metcalf said. “There’s one grocery store in Lodi, so we’re looking to bring more healthy food options, give people opportunities to buy local produce and nutrition through local farmers markets.”
Thursday’s market featured produce vendors, local artisans, and community organizations. New this year, vendors offering locally raised meat and other protein options.
The goal for the market is for it to become a community-led event.
“Our plan is to work with some of the vendors to see how we can continue it and put it in the hands of Lodi,” Schmitt said. “It’s something we definitely would like to keep going.”
Among the participating vendors were Richardson Farms, Pea’s Perfect Pick, Wonderful Creations, The ReBloom Workshop, and Providence Pastures.
Organizers also thanked Lodi village officials for supporting the event by allowing use of the public square and helping bring the market to the community.
“They’ve been nothing but supportive,” Metcalf said.
Contact reporter Sam Russ at (330) 491-6962 or sruss@medina-gazette.com.