Farmers' Markets
​Farmers' markets provide a direct connection between the people who grow food and the people who consume it. Generally speaking, the food found at farmers' markets has more flavor and nutritional value than similar items found in grocery stores.
Markets are a great place for kids (and their parents!) to learn more about where their food comes from, and to learn to appreciate what it means to "eat locally and in season."
Farmers' markets also provide a great opportunity to build community and can help revitalize local downtown shopping areas.
The Port Washington, NY Farmers' Market is the only fully organic farmers' market in New York State, every Saturday during the season at the Town Dock in Port Washington.
The Carbondale, IL Farmers Market provides an ideal opportunity for discovering local foods at their source. This weekly market has been operating since 1975 and features around 40 - 50 vendors selling humanely-raised eggs and meats, locally-grown produce, and artisan goods.
​
The Vienna, VA Farmers' Market doesn't allow crafts, and requires that farmers and vendors sell only what they grow, raise, or make on their own farms.
​
In partnership with the city of Burlington, VT and the Burlington Business Association, the Burlington Farmers’ Market provides residents with locally-grown products year-round.
Plymouth, MN has an indoor farmers’ market held on select weekend days, and an outdoor farmers’ market held every Wednesday.
Resources
If you're looking for a farmers' market in your area, please visit our friends at Local Harvest.
​
The Farmers' Market Directory is operated by the USDA and includes a Farmers' Market Resource Guide, a Farmers' Market Finder, and links for funding opportunities. The Resource Guide promotes a free flow of information among programs that support farmers' markets.
The Farmers' Market Coalition seeks to strengthen farmers' markets' capacity to serve farmers, consumers, and communities by providing the rapidly growing movement with information and representation at state and federal levels.
References
[1] Hughes, D. W., & Isengildina-Massa, O. (2015). The economic impact of farmers’ markets and a state level locally grown campaign. Food Policy, 54, 78-84.
​
[2] Burnett, P., et al. (2011). Consumer Preference for Locally Grown Produce: An Analysis of Willingness-to-Pay and Geographic Scale. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development,2(1), 269-278.
​
[3] New York City Health. (2018). Farmers Markets. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/cdp-farmersmarkets.page
​
[4] Vitiello, D., & Wolf-Powers, L. (2014). Growing food to grow cities? The potential of agriculture for economic and community development in the urban United States. Community Development Journal, 49(4), 508-523.