Today, as people try to move away from their fast food habits, they look for different avenues to get back to basics, fresh fruits and vegetables.

While local grocery stores are a reliable source of these foods, there is another option that can satisfy those shopping for the freshest produce, a farmers market.

Picayune used to be home to a farmers market at Jack Reed Park for a time, and we hope a similar venture returns.

But for now, Poplarville is going to try its hand at hosting such an endeavor.

The city’s plan is to hold these events during the weekday, in an effort to garner participation since many people who grow the produce may be participating in farmers markets in other areas on the weekends.

This can be a great way to showcase Poplarville to those selling and buying these goods during this event, which will be held twice monthly at the green space along Main Street.

One of Poplarville’s biggest events of the year is the Blueberry Jubilee, which brings a plethora of visitors to our county seat.

This farmers market could very well be another reason for those same people to make the trip.

While this new venture won’t be the sole driving force for economic development in Pearl River County, if properly managed and promoted, it could very well be another cog in the wheel that drives that change.

Ultimately, the event could garner so much attention that enough local farmers will begin to participate, allowing the event to be held on weekends and provide locals with an avenue for not only buying local, but also eating healthy.

We commend the Poplarville Board of Aldermen for approving the proposal during Tuesday’s meeting.

It’s this kind of forward thinking that will help Poplarville and Pearl River County continue to grow.