Market showcases local food for a good cause

On the third Saturday of every month, the parking lot on the corner of Louetta and Jones roads comes to life with local farmers and vendors. Lakewood United Methodist Church has hosted Locavore Farmers Market there for two years, providing organic and gourmet food and various handmade products to local residents and visitors.

Eating locally grown food has become increasingly popular, spawning locavores across the country, said market manager Adrienne Hernandez. However, this farmer's market has more to offer than fruit and vegetables. Customers can find handmade soaps, oils and lotions; organic meats and dairy; unusual gifts; and a variety of fresh lunch items.

"[Locavore] is a local outreach program that not only provides local food, but [also]reaches out to the community," Hernandez said. "The proceeds go to the church for future projects and mission work. At each event there are free educational classes focused on health, gardening [or] the environment."

Each month, Locavore offers instructional classes for guests. In July, Dr. Adrianna Warren with Discover Chiropractic provided free information and screenings in chiropractic care, while the owners of Peas Farm demonstrated honey extraction and care for a live beehive. The market offered information for healthy nutrition and breast cancer awareness in September. Locavore will host holiday themed displays through the end of the year. The next market is scheduled for Oct. 20.

Locavore Farmer's Market, 11330 Louetta Road, Houston, 832-912-6545, www.lakewoodumc.org