The South of the James Market

The South of the James Market operates in Richmond, Virginia as a dedicated space for small farms and local food businesses to sell directly to the public — no middlemen, just fresh goods.

Hours are listed as Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM, Year-round. It's always worth calling ahead or checking social media for last-minute changes.

The South of the James 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. The South of the James Market contributes to that network by giving Richmond-area growers and food producers a reliable, recurring venue for direct sales.

For consumers, the practical benefit of shopping at The South of the James 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 The South of the James 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 The South of the James Market is also worth noting. When you spend money at The South of the James Market, most of that money stays within the Richmond 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.

Markets like The South of the James Market are essential to Richmond's food landscape — they keep dollars local, reduce supply chain distance, and give residents access to fresher food than most retail options.

Contact The South of the James Market directly to learn about accepted payment methods, including whether SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.