Empire Market

Empire Market operates in Joplin, Missouri as a dedicated space for small farms and local food businesses to sell directly to the public — no middlemen, just fresh goods.

Market hours are Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM, May - October 2026. Hours and participating vendors may vary — verify before making the trip.

Empire Market is part of a national network of farmers markets that have grown substantially over the past two decades. According to USDA data, the number of registered farmers markets in the United States has expanded significantly, reflecting growing consumer demand for local, transparent food sourcing. Empire Market contributes to that network by giving Joplin-area growers and food producers a reliable, recurring venue for direct sales.

For consumers, the practical benefit of shopping at Empire Market is freshness. Produce sold at a farmers market is typically harvested within 24 to 72 hours of sale — far less time than the average transit and distribution time for produce in conventional supply chains. That shorter journey from field to table has real implications for flavor, nutritional density, and shelf life at home. Strawberries bought at Empire Market on a Saturday morning are simply a different product from strawberries that have traveled across the country in a refrigerated truck.

The economic impact of a market like Empire Market is also worth noting. When you spend money at Empire Market, most of that money stays within the Joplin area. Small farms and food businesses that sell direct-to-consumer do not depend on wholesale distribution margins, which means a larger percentage of each sale goes back to the producer — and back into the local economy. That is a meaningful difference from shopping at a national chain retailer.

Empire Market reflects Joplin's commitment to local food systems, creating a marketplace where producers and consumers can build lasting relationships grounded in trust and quality.

Shoppers using EBT can take advantage of Empire Market's SNAP acceptance to buy locally grown produce, eggs, and other eligible items from vendors.