Florence Farmer’s Market celebrates National Farmers Week

The Florence Farmers Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers

Market Week from August 6-12, 2023. On Tuesday, August 8 from 3 - 6 pm, the Market will be

bustling with activities like free raffle prizes to be given away, delicious locally made cookies at

4:00 (while supplies last) and live music by Jeremy Anderson.

Farmers markets foster shared values between community members and farmers which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system. This community focus has been on display throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, as market managers innovated to continue their essential operations for the farmers and shoppers who depend on them.

National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets proclaimed by the

U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a

membership-based nonprofit organization that supports farmers markets nationwide through

training, technical assistance, and network-building. This year, the campaign is centered around

the essential role that farmers market operators play, both in our local food systems and in our

communities. 

For more than fifty years, farmers markets have influenced the way Americans eat, shop, and connect to their food, their farmers, and one another. Farmers markets are more than

market places, they are places where neighbors learn, grow, and work together.

The Florence Farmers Market began in 2017, and currently hosts 15 farmers selling a wide

variety of products, including fresh local produce, homemade baked goods, fermented and Asian inspired foods, mushrooms, microgreens, pickles and much more. This year, the Community Table continues to not only provide an opportunity for non-profits to share their information but also local farmers and gardeners can share their extra produce. The PeaceHealth Produce RX program provides delicious healthy cooking demonstrations using seasonal, local products from the market. Local Matters educational programs enlighten the community about sustainable and environmental issues and solutions. And each week there is great eclectic music performed by a variety of local musicians.

Market Manager Lia Rousset has been busy creating a new atmosphere at the Tuesday Market.

“This year we moved to the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk which allows us to grow and add new

food vendors and producers to our line up,” Rousset said. “The community has been supportive as we navigate this change and create a new opportunity to share the diverse abundance from local farmers and other food vendors.”

An important part of the Florence Farmers Market is the opportunity for qualified recipients to

use the Double Up SNAP benefits throughout the season. In fiscal year 2021, SNAP households made 2,200,069 purchases at farmers markets and direct marketing farmers nationwide. The average purchase amount was $27.00. Consistent with prior years, more SNAP benefits were redeemed at farmers markets and direct marketing farmers in fiscal year 2021 during August than any other month of the year.

“Farmers markets are changing the way we eat, shop, connect, and more,” said Charisse McGill, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “Across the country, farmers markets are defining their role in our communities. Markets are designed in partnership with the people they serve and are a place where market operators, farmers, shoppers, and neighbors can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of their community. Throughout National Farmers Market Week 2023, we will be highlighting the ways farmers markets are making change in communities nationwide. Join us!”

Florence Farmers Market, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, ensures all Siuslaw area residents have

access to a diversity of locally grown/produced healthy foods while supporting regional

farmers, ranchers, fishers and food businesses to enhance the vitality of the community.

The market, additionally, provides educational opportunities related to the region's food

system. More information at www.florencefarmersmarket.org.