From Farm to Table: My Journey at Norman’s Farm Market
Image Credit: Luke Carliez
Interning at Norman’s Farm Market gave me a first-hand experience of how fresh produce, teamwork, and customer relationships bring a community together to share something amazing. The small business, based in Bethesda, started over 20 years ago by two brothers, John and Jeff Norman, who were born and raised in the Potomac/Bethesda area. While the business wasn't always so successful, after about 10 years, word got around town and Norman's became one of the most popular local farmers' markets.
My job at Norman’s included setting up the farm stand in the morning by unloading produce and displaying it for sale, as well as working with customers to give them the best shopping experience. I also worked shifts where I had to close the stand, by sorting produce to put away and deciding what gets donated/composted. The environment and culture have always relied on good leadership, lots of teamwork, and good communication. The owner often hires employees of the same age, which helps them get along and have more in common. This creates an overall a more friendly environment.
The organization’s mission statement is to provide and guarantee fresh, and high-quality local produce to our customers, while ensuring good customer service. Norman’s farm market also prioritizes being environmentally friendly by limiting pesticides, composts, and donates all extra produce every day to local churches, which contributes to feeding the homeless. While customers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags, the business carries paper bags to avoid the use of plastic.
The products sold at Norman’s are seasonal, and local. The majority of the vegetables, such as tomatoes, green beans, peppers, and lettuces, are grown on Norman’s farm in Woodbine, Maryland. Other produce, such as berries, melons, and peaches, is outsourced from other farms based in Virginia, New Jersey, and the Carolinas. The principal products and top sellers offered by the organization are tomatoes, peaches, berries, corn, and lettuce. Starting in late 2020, the business introduced a variety of gourmet products such as fresh breads, seafoods, meats, eggs, pasta, and more. This attracted more customers, and increased the average sales.
Interning at Norman’s was an agricultural experience I will never forget. Interning/working at the local farmers market based out of Bethesda, Maryland, enabled me to practice skills such as working at the cash register, displaying produce for sale, doing inventory, and learning how a local farmers market operates. My internship experience was not only a great introduction to working in the agricultural industry, but also made me realize how important and beneficial local farmers' markets are to communities. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend checking it out.
