Tomatoes may be a year-round staple at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, but summer is definitely the time when they are most popular. What is a Fourth of July cook-out without vine-ripened tomatoes-- or a BLT?

The humble tomato has become a centerpiece of summer outreach for Perry Wellness Center, which uses the market to spread its overall mission of wellness and recovery. But PWC founder and CEO Stuart Perry is never satisfied with the amount of information he is able to share – or the number of tomatoes the market is able to sell. Happy Patch is growing in recognition and patronage throughout Southwest Georgia through word of mouth and the increased visits to local communities by the Mobile Market. And Stuart is determined to have farm-fresh tomatoes on hand for customers.

“Tomatoes are the most popular product at our market,” Stuart confirms. “We now have tomatoes from Ricky Duke, Sasser, and Jim Buchanan.”

In the photo above, peer Shawn Thigpen assists Sumter County farmer Ricky Duke and Stuart Perry as they plan displays for the many tomatoes arriving at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market.