USDA Celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week

August 08, 2022

Across the country, from coast to coast, from Alaska to Hawaii, farmers’ markets provide people with fresh, local food and bring communities together.

USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack has proclaimed (PDF, 212 KB) From August 7 to 13 as part of National Farmers’ Market Week to champion producers, market managers and customers who go directly to consumers and who enliven their communities during the days of market. The USDA recognizes and celebrates those who make the farmers market happen and the customers who continue to support them.

The leaders of the USDA and the Biden-Harris administration have embarked on a historic journey to transform the food system as we know it. Building a better and more resilient food system is a top priority for the nation, and local and regional food systems, including farmers’ markets, will play a vital role.

As we work to transform the food system, one of the USDA’s goals is to ensure that today’s markets work better for small farmers and the families they support, so they can continue to make more nutritious food available to more people at more affordable prices.

Throughout the week, USDA will share stories of people who have used USDA grants to improve their local food operations. Their stories come from Seeds of successa story map that highlights the achievements and lessons learned from Farmers Markets and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) grant recipients. Here are some examples :

Franklin County Farmer’s Market in Frankfort, KY focused on closing accessibility gaps by adding FreshRx, a prescription vegetable program for moms-to-be, and a voucher program to help vendors sell fresh produce directly to schools.

Delcambre Seafood & Farmers Market in Decambre, LA used grants to update and relaunch its e-commerce site in 2020, achieving a 1400% increase in sales over two months. Their development of a future seafood center will accommodate retail, packaging, shipping, trading and storage spaces to help the survival of the coastal seafood industry at scale local.

These stories show how farmers’ markets play a vital role in transformation by connecting producers and consumers while contributing to a fair, competitive, nutritious and resilient food system.