By Dana He

Special to the Reporter

It’s a warm summer morning on Mercer Island, and the Mercer Island Farmers Market has just opened for the day. Vendors are lined up and down 32nd Street, selling everything from fresh flowers and produce to Japanese teas. As shoppers enter the market however, the first things they see are the food trucks.

Many customers wonder whether or not the food trucks truly fit in with the Mercer Island Farmers Market’s mission of creating a sustainable community that connects growers and consumers. After all, are their foods locally grown, or just locally made? Many would be surprised to learn that the Mercer Island Farmers Market requires that at least 50% of the food trucks’ ingredients come from local farms and businesses in Washington State, if not more.

In addition, the food trucks provide market-goers with great lunch options, as the Mercer Island Farmers Market is open from 10 AM until 3 PM. Current food trucks offer a variety of locally made foods, including organic soups, healthy veggie quesadillas, quinoa bowls, crepes, grass fed beef burgers, chowder, fish n chips, grits, and fusion taco and banh mi sandwiches. Shoppers can sit down and grab a quick bite to eat before resuming their shopping.

The food trucks at the Mercer Island Farmers Market play an important role, complementing the market with their unique tastes and healthy ingredients. They help to connect our community by buying ingredients from local farms and businesses, and provide customers with fresh, ready-to-eat foods. Treat yourself to something different this Sunday.

Dana He is a marketing intern for the Mercer Island Farmer’s Market.

The Mercer Island Farmers Market will continue on Sundays in the Town Center through Oct. 12. The Harvest Market is November 23. For more go to http://mifarmersmarket.org.