National Farmers Market week is from August 1-7th. Why not celebrate it by coming on down on Thursday, and pick up some fresh produce, bread, and desserts (to name just a few of the things we have.)
In August 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported 5,274 farmers markets operating in the United States, nearly double the number of markets just nine years previous.
Farmers Markets reduce the distance food travels. In 2008, more than 85% of farmers at Portland Farmers Market traveled 50 miles or fewer to get there, a fraction of the 1,500 miles traveled by most food in the U.S.
Farmers Markets offer opportunities for consumers to directly connect with the farmers who grow their food.
Farmers Markets accept EBT cards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Food Program (or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). The USDA Food & Nutrition Service estimates that more than 1,000 farmers markets currently accept SNAP benefits. The Salem Farmers Market accepts the EBT card.
Support your farmers market and support your community.
The facts from this post come from the Farmers Market Coalition.