There are so many things to be grateful for when living in a growing community that still offers a lot of small-town living. There are signs of growth, diversity, and a feeling of home for those that live and visit here. This is a community in which people still say, “Hello” and wave to their neighbors and strangers alike. It’s also a place where people still grow a lot of their own food and share it with others. If you don’t have a neighbor or coworker with a garden large enough to feed the neighborhood, there’s no need to feel left out! This is a tasty time of year for many because there are fresh produce stands and markets throughout the community. Walz Sweet Corn is grown local, just a couple miles west of Battle Creek. It began as a fun project nearly 8 years ago. It was started by the Walz family so they could teach their son about sales skills. They succeeded! The people they sell it to really took to the sweetness of their corn, so the family continues planting and selling. They plant a couple acres each year and pick the corn each day they set up their stand. That is the definition of FRESH! You can find the sign outside of Tilly’s on a variety of summer days. They sell their fresh picked, locally grown corn for only $6.00 a dozen. Clinch Produce is locally grown at their family owned acreage in Madison. They are set up in the KFC Parking Lot and on East 275 in Norfolk. If you’re looking for Sweet Corn, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and/or Onions stop and smell the freshness of their products. There is also a pride that comes from raising this produce. When you stop by either one of the stands any of the family members standing by will happily tell you about the work it takes to grow these farm fresh favorites to take to your table. Kuper Farms is a small Country Market with locally raised meat and produce for sale. This small little market does not limit its variety of items on its shelves because of the stores size. There is a large variety of items to choose from. Kuper Farms makes bringing the farm to the table easy and convenient. Kuper Farms is also open all year round. It is located at 401 W. Omaha Avenue.  Here are the hours you can stop by to check out the day’s fresh cuts of meat, local grown produce, along with homemade soaps. Stop in Tuesday-Friday from 10:00am- 6:00pm and on Saturday from 10:00am- 4:00 pm. The Farmers Market brings in garden enthusiast and crafters from all around the community. The number of places and times you can find The Farmer’s Market has increased to keep up with demand.  Norfolk Farmers Market is open 4:30- 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Baptist Church and Saturday from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m. at The Sunset Plaza. This is a great place to gather and meet new people to share in stories, recipes, and gardening tips. You will also be able to find crafts from local artist and fresh homemade baked goods. As the market continues to grow so will the items that you can find there. If you’re interested in becoming one of the unique vendors at The Farmer’s Market, then message them on their Facebook Page: Norfolk Farmer’s Market. The growing and sharing of produce has gone on for hundreds of years. It’s a way to show kindness to strangers and neighbors. It may never be admitted, but it’s also how farmers and garden enthusiast show off their harvest. Farming and gardening are a large part of our community that continues to be carried on from generation to generation. As our community continues to grow, it continues to take its small-town values and living with it.