ABERDEEN, Miss. -- Shoppers in Monroe County have a weekly source of fresh produce, baked goods and other items from May to September at the old railroad depot in downtown Aberdeen.

The Aberdeen Main Street Farmers Market has been around since 2014, operating from 8-11 a.m. on Fridays. The outdoor space has plenty of room for vendors who choose to participate. There is no fee for vendors, and no registration is required in advance.

The MSU Extension Service received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service to promote local foods. The Extension Center for Government and Community Development is administering the From Gravel Roads to City Streets grant as part of the statewide MSU Extension Growing Your Brand effort. Grant funds were used to help farmers markets in Itawamba, Lowndes, Clay, Noxubee and Monroe counties.

The Aberdeen Main Street Farmers Market used its funds to purchase a walk-in cooler for vendors’ use.

Ann Tackett, manager of Aberdeen Main Street, said there is also a walk-in cooler available to vendors who want to chill fresh-picked produce before it is sold.

“There is a wide variety of products offered to our customers each week,” Tackett said. “We’re trying to be a service to our community for fruits, vegetables, canned goods, baked goods, crafts and more.”

No one can predict exactly what items will be available each week, but there is one strict rule.

“We don’t allow people to bring items in from other places that they bought,” Tackett said. “You sell what you grow or make.”

Community response is positive, as residents enjoy the opportunity to visit with each other while shopping for local goods. Tackett said a long-term goal is to build a pole barn over the area to provide shade for shoppers and vendors.

"Our whole intention is to help our community with healthy choices and to help our farmers,” she said