The Coastal Alabama Farmer’s and Fisherman’s Market, Inc. (CAFFM) is proud to announce they’ve been selected as one of the 2021 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award Winners for Best Farmers Market.

A panel of experts consisting of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and expert contributors nominated 20 farmers markets from across the country. The public then voted on which of those 20 options they felt were the best. CAFFM garnered the number nine spot beating out markets in major cities including Seattle and New Orleans.

CAFFM Operations Manager Alescia Forland said the entire market is honored to have been chosen.

“It was amazing to have been nominated out of all the incredible markets across the United States, but to make the top ten? It’s breath-taking,” she said. “These vendors put their heart and soul into providing for our community. It’s not easy work. It’s funny, because no matter what day of the week it is, our market is like coming to Sunday supper. Vendors and customers laughing and swapping stories. To all of us, it’s more than a market, it’s more than hard work, it’s home. This award, voted on by our customers and friends, shows they feel that way too.”

CAFFM was built in 2013 and since that time has brought together a broad range of vendors. Farmers provide an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and farm eggs that change with seasons to give the freshest possible food to their customers. Fishermen provide fresh Gulf-caught shrimp and fish that keeps customers out of the frozen aisle of the grocery store for life. Artisans craft hand-made one-of-a-kind treasures that give every visitor the chance to find the perfect gift. Home bakers sell everything from mouth-watering breads, pies, and cakes to crispy spicy empanadas. The market continues to expand and take on new vendors to provide the community with all the region has to offer.

Forland said this award is a sign that they are heading in the right direction.

“Overall we are a fairly young market that’s come so far thanks to the tireless work of the City of Foley, CAFFM board members, the Foley City Council, current Mayor Ralph Hellmich, and former Mayor John Koniar. We have leadership that believes in us and continues to support our growth,” Forland said. “To be able to be recognized as one of the best farmers markets in the country means that we’re doing something right, but it also means the work has just begun. We want to be a place where our community can come together. When you walk into CAFFM, we want you to be able to relax and shop, sure, but we want you to also visit with and get to know the people behind what you’re buying. They’re neighbors, family and friends.”

CAFFM is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To see a full list of the 2021 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award Winners visit their website at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-farmers-market-2021/. Please direct any additional questions to Alescia Forland at loxleyfarmmarket@gmail.com.