Celebrating National Farmers Market Week
Lacey Waldon
The season of summer bounty is upon us, and there’s no better time to celebrate your local market and the people who make it happen. National Farmers Market Week is August 6 - 12, 2023!
Now in its 24th year, National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) recognizes and celebrates the efforts of farmers markets around the country to connect farmers and producers to local consumers in ways that sustain and enrich the land, the economy, and our communities.
According to the Farmers Market Coalition, farmers markets serve five primary purposes in our food, economic, and social systems: Preserving farmland; Stimulating local economies; Increasing access to nutritious food; Supporting healthy communities; and Promoting sustainability.
From a shopper’s perspective, we all have our reasons for choosing to spend our time and our dollars at farmers markets. Maybe you like to know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown. Maybe it’s a way you pass some of your food and economic values to your children. Maybe you appreciate being able to double your EBT benefits (up to $20!) through our Double Up Food Bucks and Cash Match programs. Maybe it’s just a good excuse to get out of the house and socialize with neighbors. Whatever the reasons, I think we can all agree that our lives are enriched by the market – the fresh foods, the opportunity to interact with the people who grow and produce them, and the feeling of community we get from being in the market environment.
But farmers markets don’t just happen. Behind the scenes there are teams of staff, board members and volunteers contributing time and expertise to make the market run smoothly. Vendors coordinate busy farming and production schedules with market day requirements, often juggling multiple markets a week to bring their products to consumers. And, of course, we couldn’t have a successful market without shoppers!
Our stalwart market volunteers!
In honor of National Farmers Market Week we’ve got some fun things planned for you at the market this Sunday, August 6th.
A raffle for handmade market accesories
Waiving the $2 service fee for credit/debit token purchases made at the info booth*
A fun, interactive PoP Club activity for kids – grownups are welcome to participate, too!
Veggies, fruits, and “I ❤️ Farmers Markets” temporary tattoo application station
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the market this Sunday. Happy National Farmers Market Week!
*Did you know? Our vendors make shopping easier for customers by accepting credit card payments, but they pay a fee for every transaction. You can show them some extra love by paying in cash, or purchasing $5 market tokens from the info booth with your credit or debit card. This week we’re waiving the $2 token purchase fee!