The Omaha farmers markets are beloved by the city, but Omaha’s fall and winter weather restricts their seasons. But a new Omaha shop is doing its best to bring the farmers market vibes indoors and open year-round.
Located in Dundee (5018 Underwood Ave), TakeRoot Farm Stop offers nearly everything you’d find at an Omaha farmers market. There’s seasonal produce, meats from local ranches, and gifts and accessories from local makers. You’ll also find dozens of food products ranging from pizza dough, honey, coffee beans, candies, and more, all from companies in Omaha and the surrounding areas.
Owned by several local farmers who wanted to extend the impact that Omaha farmers markets have, TakeRoot offers products from more than 30 local producers, ranches, and makers. Their goal is to build a food system in Omaha that’s more local, resilient, and connected, all while helping Omahans understand where their food comes from.
Co-Owner Matt Johnson, who also owns Long Walk Farm in Council Bluffs, knows firsthand the importance of the Omaha farmers market for local producers. Giving Omahans access to locally grown and created products year-round is a win-win for both shoppers and sellers.
“Access to the farmers market in this area in Nebraska and this area of the world in general is only available 26 weeks out of the year,” Johnson said. “We want to provide people 360 days out of the year the ability to find local produce and local goods.
“A lot of producers that do the farmers market, those other 26 weeks out of the year, that’s a really down season for them. They don’t move as much product, and some of them have to take that time off and do something else. We’re hoping this provides them the opportunity to increase their sales over those 26 weeks. The response has been great from everyone that we’ve talked to.”
One of the benefits of attending an Omaha farmers market is the ability to meet the producers and talk to them about their products. Though TakeRoot can’t completely replicate that experience, their employees are knowledgeable and passionate about the products and are happy to explain where they come from and what makes them unique.
That knowledge, along with TakeRoot’s convenience, year-round accessibility, and casual atmosphere (as opposed to the packed environment at an Omaha farmers market) make TakeRoot a perfect blend of market and grocery store.
“We see this as a spot that can bring people together. It can bring producers in touch with the community and allow the community to know better where their food comes from and makes contacts with the producers that are producing their food and other goods.”
