Hello DeSoto Farmers’ Market Community!

We are so excited to celebrate National Farmers Market Week with you! Over the past year, our farmers market community has showcased resilience in our rapidly changing world. Farmers markets have always been a hub for innovation, and we have been at the forefront of adapting rapid solutions to protect staff, customers, volunteers, and our community in this time of crisis. More than ever before, National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to showcase the value of farmers markets in our communities.

We know that farmers markets are essential in their communities — the COVID19 pandemic made it clear that local food systems with short supply chains are resilient and farmers markets play a vital role in keeping our community connected. We wouldn’t be able to continue to operate without our amazing team of market support.

We are on-track this season to nearly double the pounds of produce sold at the market, and we have managed to continue our games and educational programs. One great example of this is our Power of Produce Club. This program gives children, ages 4-12, $2 worth of tokens to purchase produce at the market. This program continues to be popular and teaches kids about produce and introduces them to local farmers too.

One game that has been a lot of fun this season has been our Loyalty Club. We recently added a coupon to our Loyalty Club. Once a customer’s card has received the required punches, it goes into a drawing for market tokens. However, for each card turned in, the individual receives a coupon for a discount on market swag.

What can you do to support farmers markets and celebrate National Farmers Market Week?

• Shop regularly at your farmers market – and tell your friends to do the same! Follow all directions and guidelines for safety while at the market.
• Local food fans are encouraged to share National Farmers Market Week on social media! Use the #LoveMyMarket, #FarmersMarketsareEssential and #FarmersMarketWeek to share the bounty of the season on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Take part in our fall fundraiser: Farm to Table, which supports market improvements, like our certified kitchen project.
• Donate to support the efforts of the Farmers Market Coalition, a national nonprofit that provides assistance for markets like ours. Your support increases their capacity to provide technical assistance and guidance to farmers markets nationally as operators continue to adapt and recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

See you at the market!
Melissa McAlpine, Director of Get Healthy DeSoto