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It's National Farmers Market Week — Why it Matters
- Bob Benenson
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
With Insights from the national Farmers Market Coalition
For Local Food Forum and many of our readers, every week is a farmers market week. But this week — today (August 2) through Saturday (August 8) — is the official Farmers Market Week, celebrated nationally and by proclamation here in Illinois.
This publication has often detailed the major benefits of farmers markets: the super-fresh, local, healthy food that is produced sustainably, humanely and fairly; the support for the local small farms that are the heart and soul of the better-food movement; the markets' contributions to building strong and stable local economies; the programs at many markets that improve food security by doubling and in some cases tripling the value of government food assistance benefits; the lively festival-style atmosphere that make shopping for food an experience rather than a chore; and more.
Let's be honest, though, we farmers market fans still make up a minority in a nation where the conventional/commercial food system still dominates. So we need more of us. Spread the word, bring friends and family to the market with you, whatever it takes to help build more support for a better and more localized food system. And use Local Food Forum's Chicago Region Market Tracker to find one convenient to you.
Here is how the national Farmers Market Coalition frames the message of Farmers Market Week.
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Celebrating our roots while looking ahead to the future!
Spanning thousands of years and cultures across the globe, farmers markets are rooted in our past, present, and future. Adaptable, flexible, and durable, farmers markets show up for their communities during times of crisis, celebration, and everything in between. As we kick off National Farmers Market Week, let’s reflect on the ways farmers markets have been there for us and are leading the way for the future we want!
Farmers Markets are Changing the Way
...we eat, shop, connect, and more! Across the country, farmers markets are defining their role in our communities. Markets are not only essential to local food systems, but they also increase opportunities for us to learn, grow, and work together. Farmers markets are designed in partnership with the people they serve and create a space where market operators, farmers, shoppers, and neighbors can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of their community. What change is your market working to make?
Farmers Markets Serve as Community Hubs
Farmers markets foster direct relationships between community members and farmers which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system. Farmers markets are hubs for connection and collective action around shared values.
The Culture of Farmers Markets are Changing
The demographic of farmers markets has not always reflected their local communities, and some markets have not always created spaces where everyone can feel welcome. Together, there are farmers market operators and community organizers paving the way to improve equity in the farmers market space. We fundamentally believe that farmers markets are for everyone and seek to support efforts to make farmers markets safe, inviting and accessible for all.