2018 #LoveMyMarket Instagram Contest Winners

      Posted On: September 14, 2018

All we can say is, WOW. This year, we once again asked local food fans across the country to enter our #LoveMyMarket Instagram Contest and help us celebrate our love for farmers markets. And did you guys ever deliver! From coast to coast, and everywhere in between, (including a few from our friends in Australia!), photos poured in from almost every state at markets large and small, urban and rural. Deciding this year’s winners was no easy feat, but we FINALLY whittled it down to the six photos below. Congratulations to our amazing winners!

[Were there prizes, did you say? Yes! The Grand Prize winning market received a 1 year subscription to Farmers Market Metrics, an FMC program that helps markets collect and analyze data, and share its benefits with communities and stakeholders! The photographer won one of our lovely I ‘Heart’ Farmers Markets t-shirts, and – of course, bragging rights for taking such an phenomenal photo 😉 Runners-up will receive an FMC Farmers Market gift bag, including I ‘Heart’ Farmers Market tattoos and stickers.]

Grand Prize Winner: Little Italy Mercato Farmers Market – San Diego, CA
Photographer: Victoria Berdin

This photo of farmer, Anthony Maciel, was an unanimous favorite among FMC staff. Fresh produce and friendly family farmers at market – what’s not to love?

Runner Up: Webb City Farmers Market – Webb City, MO
Photographer: Rachel Lynch

We call this one, “Taking a Bite Out of Summer!” Sweet, juicy, farm-fresh watermelon? Yes, please!

Runner Up: Memphis Farmers Market – Memphis, TN
Photographer: Frank Chin

“We love it, we love it not, we love it, we love it not…” Didn’t need to pull petals off a daisy to decide we ABSOLUTELY love this photo!

Runner Up: Skokie Farmers Market – Skokie, IL
Photographer: Janelle Silva

Don’t forget the pasta sauce! Or the pickles, kimchi, yogurt, salsa, you name it! This photo reminds us that farmers markets are a great launch pad for small, local businesses. Remember: there’s always room for some value-added products in your tote bag!

Runner Up: Alexandria Farmers Market – Alexandria, LA
Photographer: Ashley Montgomery

Now this is what we’re talking about! A continued commitment to shopping at market. Can’t wait to see next year’s photo!

Runner Up/Photographer: Julie Beavers

Life’s a peach when you’re at market. Need we say anymore? 😉

Check out just a few more of some of our favorites below! Click here to see more under the #LoveMyMarket hashtag on Instagram…you won’t be disappointed!