The dust is flying at Local Roots again as the market moves into the next construction phase. Plans include the beginning of a commercial kitchen, offices, and new restrooms.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture provided grant funding for kitchen and café development. The first step includes plumbing and electrical work to accommodate new kitchen equipment, followed by new equipment such as additional coolers and freezers for the market, a refrigerated deli case, dishwasher, work tables, and more. With these additions, Local Roots will soon live up to the “Café” portion of its name by being able to provide seasonal lunch menus to customers, and producers will be able to create value-added products for more variety.

Market manager Jessica Eikleberry notes that plans “couldn’t move ahead with the kitchen until the restroom issue was addressed,” and a market fundraising campaign has already proven successful in bringing in donations for two public restrooms. “We have never asked for donations like this before,” Eikleberry points out, “but we asked for help, and people have really responded with their time and money.”

The Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network will establish its office in the lower bay of the market building at the same time. Renovations include retrofits to increase the energy efficiency of the building as well as a solar awning to provide a boost to the market’s utilities.

As a year-round market for locally-produced foods and other agricultural products, Local Roots Market is located at 140 S. Walnut St. in Wooster. The market is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Membership is not required to shop. To learn more about weekly news and events at the market, visit the website at www.localrootswooster.com and sign up for the newsletter.