Business shifts model to offering locally-grown produce

By Sheila Harris [email protected]

Harvick Farms — situated along State Highway 76/112, on the south edge of Cassville — shifted its business model this year to that of a community food resource.

With food-borne bacteria such as Cyclosporiasis making the rounds this summer, Harvick Farms’ new iteration could not have come at a better time. As a cooperative outlet where farmers and producers sell their fresh produce and other food items, the purchase of locally-produced foods can offer a type of consumer confidence that doesn’t come with purchases from large retail grocery chains.

“Our cooperative is a win-win situation for producers and for the entire community,” said Lainey Harvick, who is excited about the role Harvick Farms has taken on in facilitating a local food hub. “We’re a farming community, so there’s no reason that people in this area should go hungry or shouldn’t have access to quality food.”

With its new business model, Harvick Farms hosts what is essentially a weekend-long, indoor farmers’ cooperative market.

“Area residents can buy fresh produce, eggs, milk, meat and other items here, directly from the farmers who produce them,” she said.

In addition to other forms of payment, Harvick Farms accepts SNAP and WIC benefits.