Farmers Markets Nationwide Ready to Kick Off 25th Annual National Farmers Market Week

      Posted On: July 22, 2024

PHOTOS AND NFMW TOOLKIT:
https://bit.ly/FMC_NFMW24

PRESS RELEASE:

FARMERS MARKETS NATIONWIDE READY TO KICK OFF 25th ANNUAL NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK

July 22, 2024 – National Farmers Market Week (NFMW), a yearly event celebrating the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system, will take place at participating markets across America between August 4-10, 2024. Now in its 25th year, NFMW began and continues as an annual proclamation declared by the United States Department of Agriculture. Within the last decade, NFMW has grown in prominence, becoming a widely anticipated event and effective tool for farmers market promotion and advocacy. 

Thanks to the hard work of market leaders across the country, NFMW is now on the radar of community leaders and elected officials from the local to the federal level. Last year, recognition of NFMW was visible nationwide, including a market visit by Colorado Governor Jared Polis, as well as the first congressional resolution (passing unanimously) to celebrate the event. 

“While NFMW is a joyous celebration highlighting the importance of farmers markets in our communities, as well as the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make them happen, the week also presents a unique opportunity for market leaders to connect with communities, build relationships with local officials and media, secure sponsorship and grant funding, encourage data collection, and so much more,” said Willa Sheikh, interim executive director of the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), the only national nonprofit dedicated to farmers markets.

“As we kick off 25 years of National Farmers Market Week, we are also reflecting on the ways farmers markets have been there for us,” continues Sheikh. “Farmers markets are a place of connection, spanning human history and cultures across the globe. They are adaptable, flexible, and durable, showing up for their communities during times of crisis, celebration, and everything in between. Markets are rooted in our past, present, and future, and can help pave the way for the future we want for our communities. It is important that we tell these stories to ensure decision-makers are aware of the value markets bring so they continue to thrive.”

As hubs for connection and community, farmers markets have particularly risen to the occasion in recent years by providing a necessary sense of unity and stability during a time of great uncertainty. Farmers markets don’t just happen, and NFMW aims to ensure the hard work of farmers market operators is recognized nationwide.

To support the effort to elevate this important work, FMC has created the National Farmers Market Week Toolkit, a free resource for farmers market leaders that includes tools, guides, and marketing materials for implementing their own messaging campaign.

The resources in the toolkit are designed to help organizers: 1) create a messaging campaign unique to their market/community, 2) promote their local markets and vendors as well as the benefits of farmers markets, 3) build relationships with local media, partners, and stakeholders, and 4) advocate for farmers markets at the local, state, and federal level.

Visit USDA’s Farmers Market Directory to find local farmers markets and vendors to support. For information about specific NFMW events and campaigns across the country, follow #FarmersMarketWeek and #LoveMyMarket. Make sure to also follow and engage with local markets, farmers and other vendors on social media.

ABOUT FARMERS MARKET COALITION:

Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.

The organization is driven by three complementary goals – FMC’s triple bottom line:

  • Farmers earn fair prices for the fruits of their labor by selling directly to consumers.
  • Consumers gain access to fresh, nutritious, and local produce.
  • Communities regain a figurative “town square,” experiencing the many positive
    outcomes of foot traffic and community connection.

FMC connects with markets of all sizes to work towards this triple bottom line and engage with their unique communities. For more information about the Farmers Market Coalition, visit: www.farmersmarketcoalition.org or follow @fmcorg on Facebook and Instagram.

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CONTACTS:

Honesta Romberger
Communications Manager
honesta@farmersmarketcoalition.org
(717) 443-8723