Locally Grown Foods

McKinney has become well-known in health-conscious circles for availability and support of the “slow foods” movement, which encourages healthful eating of foods grown locally using practices that keep an eye on environmental impact. As defined at Slow Food USA, slow food strives to be everything fast food is not. Vendors focusing on slow foods sell their products in McKinney through several outlets. Also, several of the restaurants on the downtown square use locally grown foods found at these markets when preparing their menus.

McKinney Farmers Market

Every Saturday from early spring to mid-October, 8 a.m. to noon, visitors to the Farmers Market at Chestnut Square in downtown McKinney will find:

Artisan cheeses, including goat cheese and mozzarella Farm fresh eggs Free range eggs Local farm-fresh produce Local honey Local organic produce, including fruits, vegetables and herbs Local whole grain breads

Native Texas plants and flowers Natural grass-fed meats, including beef, lamb, pork and poultry Pickled beets and asparagus Preserves and jams Texas salsa, olive oils and honey Candies and cookies Local hand-crafted items (jewelry, soaps, candles, etc.)

This market is highly ranked both nationally and statewide. Call 972-562-8790 for more information about being a vendor.

Other McKinney shops offering fresh food options include:

Essentialz Grocer, Deli and Tap

Essentialz is a grocer, deli and tap. Owner and former local high school chemistry teacher Theresa Harris repurposed McKinney's beautiful and historic 1st National Bank Building with a dream of helping residents and visitors remember fond food memories and create new ones. 

Essentialz specializes in pure, unpackaged and unprocessed meals, groceries and homemade ice cream. Grab an old-fashioned soda or float in this zero-waste venue, the first of its kind in North Texas. Grocery items include everything typically found in the perimeter of any grocery store. Highlights include local, grass-fed and finished beef, pork, pasture raised chickens and eggs, freshly baked breads and Boar's Head deli meats and cheeses. Beer and wine are available for purchase and can be brought home or enjoyed in the dining area or outside on the patio. Additionally, organic coffees, teas, nuts and other dry goods are available in bulk, allowing smaller purchases to remain fresh. 

Host your small special event in the most beautiful building on the square; choose a wine tasting, gourmet coffee and pastry bar, or festive pajama party and cereal bar, or plan your own themed event.

Patina Green Home and Market