In a time when people are craving deeper connection—to their food, their community, and the land—Simply Living Business Member Winchester Farm Exchange has emerged as a powerful response. What started as a farmstand during the pandemic has blossomed into a thriving indoor marketplace in downtown Canal Winchester, showcasing the very best of what local farmers and makers have to offer.
We spoke with Chelsie and Trish, the women behind this growing business, about their journey, their values, and how they’re making local food more accessible to all.
What inspired you to start Winchester Farm Exchange, and how has the journey evolved since then?
Trish has been farming and providing fresh goods directly to her neighbors for over a decade. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the demand for farm-direct food surged. In response, she opened a market shed right on her farm, where she and fellow local farmers sold milk, cheese, honey, eggs, bread, meat, and more.
At the same time, Chelsie, a young mom determined to feed her growing family better, found herself visiting multiple farms each week to gather high-quality food. Inspired by Trish’s farmstand concept, she had a vision: bring the farmstand model to downtown Canal Winchester and make it a convenient, year-round hub for local food.
Together, they combined Chelsie’s entrepreneurial spirit with Trish’s deep agricultural roots—and in August 2024, Winchester Farm Exchange opened its doors with 20 farmers and makers. Since then, the market has grown rapidly, now featuring over 70 vendors offering everything from pasture-raised meats to handmade soaps and artisan baked goods.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices into your business?
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here—it’s a daily commitment.
At Winchester Farm Exchange:
- No food goes to waste. Anything nearing the end of its shelf life is donated as feed for local goats and chickens.
- Single-use waste is minimized. All customer bags are made from recycled materials, and their “Bring Your Own Bag” program rewards eco-friendly shopping habits.
- Supporting local farms protects open space. By making small-scale farming viable, the market helps keep land in agricultural use.
“Beyond daily practices, supporting local farms plays a larger role in sustainability. Every purchase helps keep these farms viable, protecting them from the threat of development. In turn, these working farms preserve valuable greenspace in our communities and contribute essential ecosystem services—from clean air and water to healthy soil and biodiversity.”
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about local food systems or small-scale farming?
The truth? Good food takes time.
Unlike industrial farms raising tens of thousands of animals or producing massive quantities of produce, small farms operate at a slower pace. That often means higher prices—but also superior quality, greater transparency, and more intentional methods.
“We just ask for understanding: small-scale, slow-grown food can’t compete on price with industrial-scale production—but it offers something different: transparency, stewardship, and quality.”
They also stress that sustainable eating shouldn’t be a source of guilt.
“…we fully recognize that everyone has a budget. Whether you’re buying directly from our market or shopping at the grocery store (which, in many cases, still supports family farms—just at a different scale), our hope is that families feel empowered to make the best food choices they can without shame. Organic or conventional, local or store-bought, what matters most is doing your best to eat well within your means.”
How does your work help strengthen the Canal Winchester community?
Connection is at the heart of everything they do.
On any given day, you’ll find a “farmer on duty” at the market—ready to answer questions, share recipes, or talk about how food is grown. That relationship between growers and customers builds trust and fosters deeper understanding.
But the impact goes beyond food:
- Improved health outcomes through easier access to real, nourishing ingredients
- Economic resilience for local farms, many of which have reached new milestones like health insurance or business expansion
- A sense of purpose and belonging among both customers and vendors
“…the economic impact on our farmers has been profound. Thanks to the incredible support of our customers, some farm families have been able to truly sustain their operations for the first time. For many, this has meant not only keeping their farms running, but also reaching milestones like purchasing health insurance for the first time—and gaining a renewed sense of stability and hope for the future.”
Photo courtesy of Angie Scheu.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to support local farms or live more sustainably?
Start small—and be kind to yourself along the way.
“Start by making one small change at a time, and build on those new habits. Over time, those small steps can lead to big, lasting changes. If buying all your food directly from farmers isn’t feasible, consider choosing just one or two items that have the greatest impact on your health—and most importantly, bring you joy.”
Their philosophy is refreshingly inclusive: no food shaming, no pressure. Just thoughtful steps toward a healthier, more intentional life.
“We don’t believe in food shaming or judging lifestyle choices. We’re fortunate to live in a country with so many food options, and we honor that every family is doing their best with what they have. Do what you can, start where you are, and keep building on those small, meaningful changes.”
What does “simply living” mean to you?
For Trish and Chelsie, “simply living” is about intention over complication.
“To us, simply living means choosing a life that’s less complicated and more intentional. We treasure the moments spent around a table with good food, meaningful conversation, and the people we care about—and we strive to create those opportunities in our market every day.
We deeply value our neighbors who nourish and sustain us through the goods they produce. Our local food system, brought together through this shared community, allows all of us to live more simply, more connected, and with greater purpose.”
Visit Winchester Farm Exchange
Located in the heart of downtown Canal Winchester, the market is open year-round and features a wide array of farm-fresh goods, handmade products, and community events.
Whether you’re a lifelong locavore or just beginning to explore farm-to-table living, Winchester Farm Exchange welcomes you with open arms—and open doors.
Address: 8 South High Street, Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Website: winchesterfarmexchange.com
