Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack proclaimed Aug. 7-13 as National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies.
“Farmers markets are an important part of strong local and regional food systems that connect farmers with new customers and grow rural economies. In many areas, they are also expanding access to fresh, healthy food for people of all income levels,” Vilsack said. “National Farmers Market Week recognizes the growth of these markets and their role in supporting both urban and rural communities.”
Farmers markets provide a way for farmers to interact with consumers and to bridge the gap between the field and the table.
“Farmers markets are a gathering place where you can buy locally produced food, and at the same time, get to know the farmer and story behind the food you purchase,” USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator Elanor Starmer said.
Fresh produce from farmers markets is also available to those in low income brackets with support from the USDA.
Low-income women, infants, children and seniors participating in WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition programs and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program recipients have the opportunity to make purchases at farmers markets through these programs.
Farmers market managers can find resources such as posters, emails, websites and other materials to help promote and celebrate National Farmers Market Week here.