Our history is deeply rooted in our dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality produce to our customers. Erv and Pat Schummer founded Valley Farm Market in 1971 when they opened their first store on Front Street in Allentown, PA. Concentrating solely on produce at the time, Erv also worked his own produce stand at the Mahoning Valley Farmers Market on Friday's. In 1973, Erv started selling produce at the Kutztown Farmers Market, while his wife and mother ran their store on Front Street. Erv expanded his store in 1975 when he relocated to 4th and Allen Streets at the old Al's Market. Here he began to sell meat, dairy and grocery items in addition to larger produce offerings. In 1977 Erv sold his farmer's market stands in order to concentrate on the growing business at 4th and Allen Streets. Several years later in 1981 Erv sought out another expansion on Union Blvd. where he opened his largest store yet. This store was followed up by another expansion in 1987 when he assumed the lease from Dan Schantz on Easton Ave in Bethlehem, PA. This location provided Erv the opportunity to offer even more produce items and take over the greenhouse operations as well. As the Easton Ave store continued to attract more and more customers, Erv eventually took over all meat, seafood and deli operations from current sole proprietors on the property. In 1993 Erv decided to open a location in Allentown, PA with a store on Emmaus Ave. This store would be the largest of the two stores and allow Erv to operate as a full service grocer. Combined with the Bethlehem location, these two stores served a large community in the Lehigh Valley for many years. Then, in 2004, when the business of the Easton Ave store was at capacity, he relocated once more to Stefko Blvd. in the old Laneco location. This store would be nearly double the size of Easton Ave., and allow Erv to sell many of the items his customers had requested over the years.
At Valley Farm Market, we pride ourselves on bringing the best quality produce to our customers whether it's from across the country, or right here in our neighboring communities. With more than 40 years in the business, our relationships with growers and food producers has allowed us to deliver the kind of quality our customers have come to know and expect. Sadly, Erv past away in March 2014, but his wife Pat along with their children Eric and Jessica, have assumed leadership of the family business. Our store has always been operated as a family business, and we intend to keep serving our customers in the Lehigh Valley for many years in the future. Throughout our history, we understand that we would not be where we are today without the support of our growing customer base. From our family to yours, we sincerely thank you, and look forward to seeing you at Valley.