United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced that it is National Farmers’ Market Week from Aug. 7th until the 13th. This will be the nation’s 12th year of celebrating farmers’ markets, and with so many fruits and vegetables in season across the country in late summer, the festivities come at the perfect time. In the past eleven years farmers markets have spread nationwide from 2,863 markets in 2000 to 7,175 today. Alaska had the highest growth rate at a 46% increase, and California had the most markets in the county at 729. The farmers’ market may be a return to more traditional food shopping, but the revolutionary effect their growth has had on local economies is anything but old-fashioned. As they expand, these markets create jobs and help boost the economy.
Farmers’ markets can be found in every state and a diverse array of communities. Some are old, well-established neighborhood icons, like the Santa Monica, Calif. market that will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a weekend long event. Others are just opening, like the new summer farmers’ market in Flanders, N.Y. Markets sell a whole variety of fruits and vegetable, but they are not limited to produce. Many markets offer other locally-produced food items, including cupcakes and desserts in Santee, Calif. and home-brewed beer in Seattle. Some farmers’ markets have even teamed up with local artisans to bring inedible variety to the events. In Towson, Md. one local artist was able to expand her online business selling handmade jewelry and trinket through a booth at the local farmers’ market. A big part of farmers’ markets’ growing popularity is that they’re more than just grocery shopping, they’re also a fun way to spend a Saturday morning and an entertaining family activity. One market in Fremont, Ohio has opened a children’s section of booths, where kids can participate as both vendors and buyers, learning important entrepreneurial skills.
Farmers’ markets have helped make fresh produce more widely available for everyone, even individuals who rely on food stamps. A recent study by The Journal of Health Affairs found that nearly 15% of American households cannot afford to eat healthy foods, even when they want to (PDF). Fortunately, through the availability of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card readers at some local markets, families receiving assistance can purchase healthy, fresh produce with the swipe of their EBT card. Even though farmers’ markets can be an important option for many food stamp recipients, selling to customers using EBT can be costly for local farmers. The program relies heavily on aid from the federal government that has been threatened by budget cuts. Currently, farmer markets in San Diego are the top collectors of food stamps. A similar program has also been established in Albert Lea, Minn.
While federal and state governments manage the food assistance programs, local governments have a major role to play in creating and sustaining local farmers’ markets. Municipalities may need to manage permits and shut down streets, but they are also trying to make the most of the economic and health benefits to their communities. Learn more about farmers’ markets in your own community with the following Knowledge Network resources:
For even more information go to Knowledge Network topic pages on Healthy Eating and Community Development. You can also check out the ICMA Bookstore for titles like Community Health and Food Access: The Local Government Role and more.