by Saturn Edwards
The Starr Hill Farmers Market started as an answer to a question: How can food access be supported in Charlottesville? About 44,000 live in a Charlottesville, where grocery prices rise and grocery stores such as the Kroger on Emmet Street and Reid’s Supermarket have closed their doors. In times like these, Charlottesville needs access to community and fresh food, and the best way to accomplish both is with a farmers’ market.
On August 17th, 2025, the Starr Hill Farmers Market enjoyed its first day underneath the Jefferson School’s warm, welcoming sun and cooling oak trees. From 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, local Virginian businesses Milas Cakes & Bakes, Pawfect Sweets, September Sun Produce, SFG Food, and Tealicious Cafe set up their stands and a vibrant truck to sell a variety of farm produce, hot foods, sweets, teas, and treats for pets, too!
The Starr Hill Farmers Market was made possible by a collaboration between Market Central and the Jefferson School Foundation. Both are non-profits with aligned goals in serving the Charlottesville community and promoting sustainability. The Jefferson School Foundation owns and manages the Jefferson School City Center, a historic site and multi-use community center. Market Central is a Charlottesville-based organization that manages the popular Farmers Market at IX every Saturday morning. Market Central’s mission is to empower businesses, farms, and local artisans through markets for the greater Charlottesville area, and this passion is supported by collaborating with The Jefferson School Foundation and funding from the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund, making the Starr Hill Farmers Market achievable.
The benefits of farmers’ markets, such as the Starr Hill Farmers Market, are not limited to the fresh food and goods offered. Farmers’ markets revitalize the local economy by taking commerce straight to farmers and entrepreneurs, strengthening the local economy. Entrepreneurs can also utilize farmers’ markets as a stepping stone to grow their businesses into physical locations. The Starr Hill Farmers Market is located inside the historical Starr Hill neighbourhood, and across from the downtown mall that houses many local businesses, which creates a unique experience for the citizens of Charlottesville who can shop for groceries, greet their neighbors, and support the local economy.
Since the market’s start in August, more Cloud Nine Bakery, Encanto! Homestead, J Bird Coffee Roasters, Kiki’s Belgian Waffles, Old Nick’s Pepper Preserves, Rum Punch, Jamaican cuisine, and RVP Bar have joined the Starr Hill Farmers Market. The market meets two more times for the 2025 season on November 9th and November 23rd from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The market hopes to get approved next year to continue providing fresh, local food and farm goods on Sundays. The Starr Hill Farmers Market is counting on the community to visit, support local businesses, and have access to hot and fresh prepared foods and goods. Starr Hill Farmers Market patrons are happy to have an alternative to Saturday markets, but the Starr Hill Farmers Market is so much more. The 2025 Season Starr Hill Farmers Market was where children played, businesses debuted, and long-time friends reunited. As the 2025 season ends, the Starr Hill Farmers Market hopes to end it on a high note with a public event on the last day of the market’s season.
More information and updates can be found on Marketcentral.org.