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, and offers a second market with many of the same vendors on Thursdays from 3-7 p.m., in season, on the west side of town in the Adriatica development of Stonebridge Ranch. Call 972-562-8790 for more information about being a vendor.

Local Yocal Farm-to-Market

This specialty shop in McKinney’s historic downtown is a farmer-owned, full service butcher shop and local goods market specializing in organic and locally-produced foods. Here shoppers will find nutrient-rich food straight from the grower, including truly farm-fresh eggs, cheeses, yogurt, milk, grass-fed meats, pasture raised poultry and specialty items such as organic granola and breads, local honey, healthy snacks and more. Local Yocal also provides custom processing of meats for hunters and ranchers. On Saturdays during warm weather, owner Matt Hamilton hosts Steak 101 classes to educate attendees on meat grading and cutting as well as cooking, providing participants with samples of a variety of meats grilled just for them at the end of the class.

Patina Green Home and Market

Patina Green, a family-owned lifestyle shop, is unlike any other business on McKinney's downtown square. Here you can find home decor and gifts as well as a fresh-from-the-farm market and even a lunch counter. They serve a seasonal breakfast and lunch Tuesday - Saturday with a menu that changes daily. (Food Network Magazine even named one of their sandwiches the BEST sandwich in Texas!) In the farmer's market section of the shop, they sell local and organic produce, pastured chicken & grass fed meat, house-made salsa and dressings, farm fresh milk, cheese, & eggs, plus much more. For the home, they sell one-of-a-kind antiques, home furnishings, unique gifts, and handmade items. Check their web calendar for details about events they hold including farm-to-table dinners and cooking classes.