by Hanna Singh
As springtime approaches, it’s the perfect time to add going to the Ruston Farmers Market to your weekly routine. Each Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., the community can come shop from local farmers, small businesses and creators.
The Ruston Farmers Market began in 2007 as a simple conversation during a local book club. The idea sparked an effort to develop a thriving market powered by local volunteers, farmers and neighbors who believed in the project. The market grew from a small parking lot market, into an indoor renovated warehouse, weatherproofed and designed for vendors, customers and community events.
Market Coordinator, Caitlyn Lawrence, highlighted the important role that the market plays in the Lincoln Parish community.
“The Ruston Farmers Market is a year-round, producers-only market that connects the Lincoln Parish community directly with local farmers, ranchers, bakers and makers,” Lawrence said. “The market allows small businesses to interact with customers to tell their story and keeps the dollars in the community. In addition to the weekly market, we provide various classes and resources to educate community members about how to use the products they get at the farmers market in their own homes.”
One of the resources offered is the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen located at the Ruston Farmers Market. Named in honor of the late Drew Jones, the kitchen provides access to culinary education by offering a range of classes from hands-on cooking workshops to free educational sessions. In 2026, cooking classes are planned for every Tuesday and Thursday. In addition, one Tuesday a month will host a free community kitchen class that is open to all participants.
Kitchen Director, Paxton Lobbes, shared the motivation for offering these classes to the community.
“We enjoy partnering with local restaurants and businesses by inviting them to send a staff member to teach a class,” Lobbes said. “This allows us to highlight local talent, support small businesses and give participants a chance to learn directly from experienced professionals in the community.”
As a member of the North Louisiana Farm Fresh (NLFF) the Ruston Farmers Market maintains many partnerships to offer accessible fresh food to the community. The market partners with Greaux the Good to help SNAP customers stretch their dollars further, increasing access to locally produced food.
Each Saturday, SNAP customers can receive up to an additional $40 in matching funds, allowing them to purchase more food for their household while supporting local agriculture. The Louisiana National Bank also partners with the market to provide funding to allow local musicians to perform on the market day.
The Ruston Farmers Market aims to provide the best quality fresh and healthy produce, so their selection of vendors is very intentional. Lawrence explained the process of selecting locally sourced and unique vendors for the market.
“We welcome vendors from the entire state of Louisiana and within a 150-mile radius of Ruston. As a producers-only market, we carefully review each application to ensure that vendors grow, raise or create the items they sell,” Lawrence said. “Our goal is to support local farmers, ranchers, bakers and makers while maintaining the integrity of a true producers’ market.
“When selecting vendors, we aim to provide a balanced and diverse mix of products, including seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, specialty foods and handmade items, allowing shoppers to find everyday essentials and unique offerings. Our focus is on quality, local origin and creating a well-rounded market experience that reflects the agricultural and creative talent of our community.”
While the Farmers Market vendors are able to earn a profit each Saturday, the market itself relies heavily on community support and volunteer work to keep the program running smoothly. Despite putting in many hours of work, volunteers enjoy getting to be a part of something that benefits their community. Some young volunteer members believe that the market has even done more for them than they have for it.
Market Volunteer, Haley Mayon, shared her experience of getting involved with the market and how it has affected her life.
“I was drawn to become involved with the Ruston Farmers Market because I wanted a way to truly connect with the Ruston community beyond just attending Louisiana Tech,” Mayon said. “Coming from a very small town in South Louisiana, I moved to Ruston knowing absolutely no one. The Farmers Market quickly became more than just a place to work; it became a place where I found community.
“Through the market, I’ve met people from all walks of life and formed meaningful friendships and connections that I don’t think I could have found anywhere else. It gave me a sense of belonging in a new town and helped Ruston start to feel like home. The Farmers Market is a place that brings people together and being part of that has been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to work somewhere that supports local farmers, small businesses and community connections.”
Market Volunteer James Parker, echoed a similar sentiment, sharing why the market became something special to him.
“At first, I was just looking for something to do on Saturdays, but after seeing all the good the market does for the community, crafters, small businesses owners and farmers, it just stuck with me,” Parker said. “Mix that with my passion for cooking and knowing that a great dish starts with great ingredients, the market is just where I feel like I can do the most good.”
In 2026, the Ruston Farmers Market team plans to grow their partnerships and programs even more, to make the market more than just a place to shop on Saturdays. They will continue their current initiatives with local organizations, including supply drives and children’s story times with the Lincoln Parish Library.
In addition, they intend to introduce new, exciting cooking classes hosted in the Drew Jones Teaching Kitchen with new instructors and class ideas. The market will also host their annual Autumn Dinner at the Market, welcoming community members for an evening of food, music and camaraderie to raise funds to support more market initiatives.
