National Farmers Market Week

The 16th annual Farmers’ Market Week runs from Sunday August 2nd through Saturday, August 8th. Of course we all know Farmers Markets are a great thing. The wonderful fruits and vegetables provide local customers with nutritious produce and provide local farmers with a relatively easy way to market their goods.

In Santa Fe, Alonzo said “Farmers markets are at the heart of many towns and cities, bringing together rural and urban communities, providing Americans with fresh, healthy food, and creating jobs and opportunities for local farmers and ranchers.” She continued, “USDA is proud to support farmers markets. Fifteen years ago, USDA worked with the Santa Fe Farmers Market to design this facility, and today it is one of the most successful markets in the country.”

The Santa Fe Market operates three times a week and draws as many as 5,000 visitors a day during its peak season. It is also one of more than 6,400 farmers markets across the country that accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as payment. AMS and USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) work together to help farmers markets accept SNAP benefits, giving recipients access to healthy foods, expanding the customer base for farmers, and encouraging the sale of local produce.

So be sure to get out your local farmers market this week and support your local  market(s) in your area. In fact, many are offering specials and a chance to try a few of the goodies out before you purchase.  If you’re interested in selling your vegetables at a local market, be sure to check out this site for additional tips for sellers who are looking to buy a certified scale.

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