It’s a family affair.
Givens Produce in Laurel, Del. started out with two brothers, added two wives, a 10-month-old baby and there’s a baby on the way. On top of adding members to the family business, the Givens Produce has added a second market location in Millsboro, Del., called The Farm Stand at The Givens’.
Scot and Corey Givens started a roadside stand when they were in their preteens and the business continued to grow. Scot and Corey’s wives, Caitlin and Kristen Givens, help manage the food stand and market while Scot and Corey run the fields.
The Givens Produce stand in Laurel is a self-serve operation, every day from dawn until dusk. The crew restocks the stand in the morning and throughout the day as needed.
Givens Produce in Laurel, Del. (Courtesy: Givens Produce)
When the opportunity for a second location came up, the Givens knew they had to take it,
“We had always wanted a second operation and this is a great location in Millsboro because there are really no other produce stands in the area,” Caitlin said.
Not only does Caitlin help manage the market with her sister-in-law, Kristen, she is the Mar-Del Watermelon Association coordinator and a nurse at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. Caitlin says the backgrounds of family members are the reason why they think it is important the community is served fresh produce.
“It’s huge for us, especially with my sister-in-law and I in the health industry. We are all about supporting local farmers and local businesses. If we can’t provide something, we are sourcing it from local businesses.”
The Farm Stand at The Givens’ will hold its grand opening on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. After the grand opening, the new market will be open everyday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
At the market you can find strawberries, watermelon, sweet corn, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, eggplant, potatoes, onions and more. On top of fruits and vegetables, Givens Produce has a full line of flags, decorations, potted and hanging flowers and farm fresh treats, including baked goods like miniature strawberry shortcakes. Givens Produce also offers fruit and vegetable gift baskets made to order.
On top of the two markets, Givens Produce belongs to the National Farm to School Network, where it provides to local schools in the area.
“It’s good to start them out young so if they are at the grocery store, instead of picking out junk food they say, ‘Hey, let’s get strawberries!'” Caitlin said.
Caitlin says one of the best aspects of the job is the customers. Givens Produce sees all members of the community and all walks of life.
“Some of our customers have been coming to us for years, watching us grow up and make families. Some of my co-workers will even come from Salisbury and support us… college friends from Virginia will stop through and load up their cars passing through…”
To learn more about Givens Produce and the new location, visit www.facebook.com/The-FARM-STAND-at-The-Givens-477139702489907/?fref=nf.
