New shop on Monroe Ave. makes it easy to buy local. Here's what you can find there

Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·2 min read
Chad Flint, shown here at a farmer's market, is co-owner of Homegrown and Handmade Market on Monroe Avenue.
Chad Flint, shown here at a farmer's market, is co-owner of Homegrown and Handmade Market on Monroe Avenue.

Chad Flint is persistent when it comes to connecting Rochesterians with producers of local food. A fourth generation maple producer and a high school business teacher, he has run two farmer's markets, launched an online farmer's market and was once a partner in a short-lived local foods shop.

"People need to know where their food comes from," he said. "There's so much good food grown in the Rochester area. We want to give people access to it."

His latest venture, which he co-owns with Ben Reiter: Homegrown and Handmade Market, a shop at 986 Monroe Ave. in the Upper Monroe neighborhood. He describes the shop as "a little farm market in store form."

The market brings together the knowledge he's acquired and the people he's met through his varied enterprises. He's observed that people seem less likely to shop at farmer's markets and have become acclimated to services like Instacart and Grubhub.

That's why the partners are trying to incorporate more convenience into buying local foods. "I'm going to figure out how to do it," he said.

What's available at Homegrown and Handmade Market

All merchandise is is either grown or sourced locally at Homegrown and Handmade Market on Monroe Ave.
All merchandise is is either grown or sourced locally at Homegrown and Handmade Market on Monroe Ave.

The 600-square-foot Homegrown and Handmade Market sells products either grown or made within a few miles of Rochester.

Customers can visit the shop or order order online at https://onlinefarmmarkets.com/local-stuff-box The online shop has everything sold at the store as well as a larger selection of meats and baked goods.

Among the items you'll find in the shop and online.

  • Seasonal produce and microgreens

  • Breads and baked goods

  • Milk

  • Gelato

  • Vegan products

  • Meats

  • Cheeses (dairy and vegan)

  • Homemade pierogi (including vegan)

  • Pantry staples: Sauces, ghee, mustards, maple syrup, salsas, pastas and more

  • Snacks like chips and popcorn

  • Coffee and tea

  • Soaps and shampoos

  • Dog and cat treats

  • Consigned local art

  • Books

If you go

Ben Reiter, one of three owners of Homegrown and Handmade Market on Monroe Ave., works on the signage for the new store.
Ben Reiter, one of three owners of Homegrown and Handmade Market on Monroe Ave., works on the signage for the new store.

Homegrown and Handmade Market is at 986 Monroe Ave., between Route 490 and Culver Road. Parking is on the street.

Its initial hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Weekend hours may be expanded as the owners get a feel for demand.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester's food and drink scene. Spot something new and interesting in your neck of the woods? Reach out to tracys@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Homegrown and Handmade Market opens on Monroe Ave. in Rochester NY