It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Houston.
After all, we’re based here! But we also love our city because it’s got a ton of things going for it—one of which is Samir Becic. It’s been almost 4 years since HFR founder Samir Becic was named “Fitness Czar” for the City of Houston! What better way to celebrate the anniversary than with a series of healthy living recommendations for Houstonians?
Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed Samir with the official title on November 1st, 2018 following 16 years of Samir’s dedicated service (starting with Mayor Lee Brown in 2002) to make the city a healthier and fitter place to live. In honor of our founder and his tireless work to make the city a healthier place to live for the past 20 years (as a volunteer and 4 years as “Fitness Czar”), we’ve decided to share some of our favorite healthy Houston recommendations- to see all of our top picks, click here.
Houston’s Best Farmers Markets
In today’s fast-paced world, most Americans don’t know where their food comes from—let alone who grew it or how it was grown. Our connection to food has diminished to nothing more than a quick transaction at the check-out line, with no thought to who is behind the spinach in our salads or the steak on our grills (read our article about the dangers of food disconnect).
Which is why we love farmer’s markets! The nutrient-rich, locally grown food that you find at farmers markets is not just good for you. It’s also good for your social life.
Farmers markets are not just places where people buy healthy food; they’re places where people meet, socialize, and have fun together. Research shows that people are happier when they’re socially connected—and farmers markets help to make that happen.
What’s more, the fresh fruits and vegetables that you’ll find at farmers markets have been shown to have positive effects on physical health: a 2012 study in Austin, Texas found that farm stands operating in low-income neighborhoods just one day a week increased the consumption of fruits and vegetables for families within walking distance. Another study conducted in North Carolina concluded that proximity to farmers markets was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) for local youth.
By their presence alone, farmers markets are proven to positively impact the health and diet of their community—especially in areas that otherwise lack sufficient access to fresh, healthy food.
East end farmers market
- East end farmers market
- 2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
- Open Sundays 10AM-2PM
- Unique among Houston’s farmers markets, the East End Farmers Market blends sights and sounds, cuisine and culture to create an experience that is rooted in one of Houston’s most historic communities.
- Visit the East End Farmers Market to sample fresh garden fruits and vegetables, locally produced farm and dairy products, prepared foods, and unique handcrafted wares.
Houston Heights Market
- Houston Heights Market
- Studewood St @, White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
- Open Sundays 10AM-3PM
- The Houston Heights Market is one of the newest farmers market in Houston, Texas. If you haven’t been here yet, head on to The Heights, right where White Oak Drive and Studewood meets. As of October 2020, it has over 60 vendors that showcase everything from farm-grown crops to artisan food products and crafts every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00. p.m. On top of that, they also have live music, adult drinks, and of course, ready-to-eat food specialties. You can also bring your furbabies and walk with them as you shop. It’s a “great new market” where you can support local and meet everyone in the neighborhood at the same time.
The Houston farmers market
- The Houston farmers market
- 2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
- Open Monday-Sunday 5:30AM-7:30PM
- The Houston Farmers Market celebrates Houston with the two characteristics our city is most popular for: diversity and food.
- As the City’s oldest and largest farmer’s market, the 18-acre market on Airline Drive is a can’t-miss Houston destination. Get ready to shop, cook, and dine like a local at the Houston Farmers Market, now open. Expect more exciting food and retail openings, coming later this year!
Urban harvest farmers market
- Urban harvest farmers market
- 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77027
- Open Saturday 8AM-12PM
- When Urban Harvest was founded in 1994, it was thought that food could not be grown organically in Houston. Since then, Urban Harvest has introduced an alternate vision for the city, revealing that sustainable fruits and vegetables can flourish in Houston’s unique climate, and locally grown, healthy food can revitalize and empower our region.
- Today, their programs echo this philosophy. Urban Harvest Farmers Markets bring together farmers, vendors, and thousands of Houstonians in a vibrant community that celebrates fresh food and local growers. Each year, their Youth Education program teaches hands-on gardening to over 5,000 Houston-area students, and through their Edible Academy workshop, that number – and impact – doubles. Their Community Gardens program provides resources and education to almost 200 gardens – supporting communities in growing their own food and creating sustainable greenspaces.
- Together with the community, they can enrich the lives, soils, and plates of all Houstonians. Join the good food movement.
Memorial villages farmers market
- Memorial villages farmers market
- 10840 Beinhorn Rd, Houston, TX 77024
- Open Saturdays 9AM-1PM
- The goal of the Memorial Villages Farmers Market is to build a quality relationship between farmers, artisans and the community at large. Hosted by First Congregational Church in cooperation with the City of Hunters Creek Village, MVFM has quickly done just that, establishing itself as one of Houston’s premier farmers markets.
- Market Highlights
- High quality vendors
- Live music
- Playground and Children’s activities
- Pet friendly
- Guest lectures
- Food demonstrations
- Ample Parking
- Memorial Villages Farmers Market welcomes the entire family, with a playground and children’s activities and a petfriendly environment. Make Memorial Villages Farmers Market your Saturday morning tradition!
Rice Village Farmers Market
- Rice Village Farmers Market
- Kelvin Dr. & Amherst St. Houston, TX 77005
- First and third Sundays 9am–1pm
- This open air market invites neighbors, families, and friends to stroll through the Village and discover everything from sustainably sourced produce and chef-made plates to fresh morning coffee.
Westchase district farmers market
- Westchase district farmers market
- Located in the St Cyril Of Alexandria Catholic Church
- Open Monday-Friday 6:30AM-6:30PM and Saturday 7AM-5PM
- Westchase District Farmers Market features high quality, locally-grown seasonal fresh foods and provides a vibrant community gathering place for the Westchase community.
- More than two dozen vendors sell agricultural products, including pork, beef, eggs, produce, and cheeses. The market also features value-added products such as locally-made jams and jellies, honey, specialty soaps, artisan breads and olive oils.
- During it’s first year in 2013, the Westchase District Farmers Market was made possible in part by a $65,000 grant through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The FMPP supports efforts to improve and expand domestic farmers markets and other community-supported agriculture programs.
Braeswood farmers market
- Braeswood farmers market
- 10425 Hillcroft Ave, Houston, TX 77096
- Open Saturdays 9AM-1PM
- Occupies over 50 vendors selling the most fresh locally farmed produce, organic pasture raised eggs, organically fed poultry, grass-fed and wagyu beef, locally farmed unfiltered raw honey, fresh prepared gourmet foods, and delicious food trucks.
Azteca farmers market
- Azteca farmers market
- 7710 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
- Open Monday-Sunday 8AM-7PM
- Open since 2019, its main commitment is to offer a unique local food experience along with affordable prices for both vendors and customers. Azteca is an example of community, support, solidarity, where entrepreneurs and their dreams are motivated, where customers and sellers support each other and create a unique experience.
Eleanora’s Farmer’s Market
- Eleanora’s Farmer’s Market
- 2120 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
- Open Saturday 9AM-1PM
- Established in 2017, the popular Artisan Market named Eleanora’s Market pops up every Saturday at Cavatore Italian Restaurant, 2120 Ella Blvd. in the Heights. Held rain or shine, the market showcases over 30 vendors selling the most high quality produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods, art, textiles, flowers and more selling their wares in the parking lot of our restaurant.
Honorable Mention:
Railways Heights Market
- Railways Heights Market
- 8200 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007
- Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 11am-9pm, Wednesday: 11am-9pm, Thursday: 11am-9pm, Friday: 11am-10pm, Saturday: 11am-10pm, Sunday: 11am-9pm
- Although not technically a famer’s market, it’s a great place to support local vendors!
- Railway Heights is Houston’s most unique market; telling the story of Houston through local small business owners and the community that supports them. It is a place where ideas become a reality and concepts come to life. It is an intersection between lifestyle, food, and beverage with a beer garden, dog park, wine bar, and 40+ food and retail vendors; all working harmoniously in contribution to the overall vision that is Railway Heights Market.
