In addition to produce, vendors offer a wide variety of items at Lahaina Jodo Mission’s Farmer’s Market.

LAHAINA — Lahaina Jodo Mission has begun a Farmer’s Market on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m.

The market that first opened on Aug. 27, 2020 has been gaining momentum with each event.

With a variety of produce from local farmers, fresh fish and prepared food vendors, the market aims to support the local economy by providing easy access to fresh, local food sources.

At the market, shoppers can pick up local favorites like taro, luau leaf, breadfruit, papayas, avocados and produce from Kula, including broccoli, cauliflower, daikon, lettuce and more.

In addition to produce, vendors offer poi, ulu hummus, coconut water, fresh salsa, kimchee, sweet and savory breads, and everyone’s favorite: poi mochi.

Market organizer Yayoi Hara said, “During the COVID lock-down, talking to friends, the conversation became about diversifying the economy. One thing we can do to diversify is to give people the opportunity to do something outside of tourism.

“Another factor is food security. Hawaii imports 85 percent of its food. With shipping prices going up, we need to support local farmers.”

Farmer’s Markets will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, and Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Hara said, “If you can do half of your monthly shopping at the Farmer’s Market, the money goes directly back to the community. November 24th market is for people to stock up for Thanksgiving.

“You can arrange orders with specific vendors — we will post a list on our Facebook page of what farmers are bringing the week prior, so people can plan their shopping list. This is a community-driven movement. Please come and support local,” Hara concluded.

Social distancing and masks are required at the market.