Starting this season, DeKalb county residents will have more ways to order from their favorite local farms and artisan vendors. Market Wagon, an Indianapolis-based startup, has partnered with the Fresh Food Hub in Auburn to bring a virtual farmers market experience to area residents. The online farmers market allows customers to browse products on their computer or smartphone, order food from multiple vendors with one single checkout, and pick up their pre-packed order at the Fresh Food Hub with no delivery fees.

“Our mission is to fulfill the need for local, whole food nutrition within the community,” said Denise Hoff, founder of the Fresh Food Hub on 212 N. Main Street in Auburn. “For the past three years, our location has provided a storefront for local producers, and a center for presenting educational topics of interest to the public. The online farmers market will make that product selection even wider, and people can still shop fresh items or grab a bite when they pick up.”

“This business is all about giving consumers more ways and more access to buy local,” said Nick Carter, co-founder and CEO of Market Wagon. “By partnering with the local businesses that share our mission, like the Fresh Food Hub, we are increasing ways that people can shop local, and ultimately it’s the local farmers and artisans that win.” Nick Carter launched Market Wagon in 2016 with stated mission of “enabling food producers to thrive in their local markets.”

After expanding from Indianapolis to the Fort Wayne area in January, Market Wagon already offers over 350 local products to choose from, most of which are sourced from Allen and surrounding counties like DeKalb. Shopping requires no upfront fees or long-term subscriptions. Visit https://fortwayne.marketwagon.com to see what is available.