MOUNT VERNON – The Farmers Market affects the community in many ways. It supplies locally grown food, interaction between vendors and customers, and a way for local non-profits and businesses to raise awareness. One vendor uses their market proceeds to make life better for women battling addiction.
The Least of These is run by Amy McDougale. Their tag line is “Baking to Beat Addiction.” This is the third year for this non-profit to sell pies, fudge, buckeyes, quick breads, tea blends, and pineapple upside down cake. You can find different varieties of fruit pies, including peach, rhubarb, and apple. All the proceeds will go toward setting up a women’s home to beat addiction to heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol, cocaine and suboxone.
Amy says the idea came to her as she was leading Thursday night bible study at the local jail.
“The Lord worked on my heart and gave me the vision for The Least of These. Christ is the only way to true freedom from addiction.”
Once the home is established the farmers market proceeds will be used for a 13-month program to teach women life skills, confidence, how to support themselves and to restore and repair relationships with family members.
The Least of These is made up of volunteers, nobody gets paid. Five bakers work to make the delicious baked goods. The ministry’s volunteers come from different church backgrounds.
Amy says her husband, Dudley, helps as well as two of her children. Dudley picks up the baking ingredients and helps load and unload at the market.
Amy says interacting with the people is her favorite part of the market. She says, “The market is a beautiful community event.”
You will find The Least of These on the north side of the Public Square each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Amy says you can order anytime on their Facebook page.
Community Band this Saturday, August 27
Back by popular demand the Mount Vernon Community Band is scheduled to play at this Saturday’s market. The band played last year to the delight of customers and vendors alike. Look for the band around 10:30 a.m. on the Square.
Voting continues
The Mount Vernon Farmers Market is encouraging supporters to participate in America’s Farmers Market Celebration which runs through September 19, 2022. Shoppers are encouraged to come to the market Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon and visit markets.farmland.org, where they can endorse the market, putting it in the running for national recognition and cash prizes.
