Check out the Goodell Gardens Farmers Market

Photo by Ryan Smith

One local fresh-food grower says that this week, they'll have kale, garlic scapes, and some small, early-season zucchinis on offer in Edinboro.

At another farmer's table, we'll find straight-outta-the-garden pak choi, scallions, and, possibly, some peas.

Keep looking around, and it's likely we'll be able grab up a lot more good stuff: New red potatoes ... fresh herbs ... greens galore ... even meat and cheese -- all produced in the lush, lively little corner of the map that is northwestern Pennsylvania.

Each week over the rest of the summer and through September, everyone's invited to reap the rich, ever-growing local bounty at the Goodell Gardens Farmers Market, which features farmers from around the region offering everything from free-range eggs to fresh-cut herbs to hydroponically-grown greens, along with an impressive range of other locally-produced, Earth-friendly fare.

That's a lot of good stuff.

And here's something better: Some of the market's food-producing vendors also accept the Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers that are offered to eligible senior citizens and WIC recipients through the state Department of Agriculture. For the many local families and residents who rely on such programs for access to real, nutritious food, that's a great reason to find the time to check out Goodell's weekly market.

So, if you're interested in taking some locally-grown goods home to your kitchen -- and meeting the faces and hands behind that food -- head on out to the garden.

The Goodell market -- located on Route 6N just east of downtown Edinboro -- is open from 3 to 6 p.m. each Wednesday. For more information, call 734-6699.

Ryan Smith can be reached at rsmith@eriereader.com, and you can follow him on Twitter @ryanmsmithplens.