Happy National Farmers Market Week!
This year, August 7 through 13 is Farmers Market week. Thousands of farmers markets across the country offer consumers affordable, convenient, and healthful products sold directly from the farm in their freshest possible state, increasing consumer access to fresh fruits and vegetables and thus promoting child health and potentially reducing childhood obesity. Farmers markets also play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support the sustainability of family farms, revitalize communities, and provide opportunities for farmers and consumers to interact.
From Idaho to West Virginia, from New Hampshire to New Mexico, there are farmers market week activities happening all over the country. You can download your own copy of the Secretary’s proclamation here. All week long we will be posting stories here and to the USDA blog, so make sure to check back.
As always, if you want to find your nearest market you can check out the USDA Farmers Market Directory online. And when you’re visiting, don’t forget to thank your farmer.