National Farmers Market Week, observed Aug. 2-8, is an opportunity to support local agriculture by visiting a farmers market and recognizing the many benefits they provide. Beyond offering a wide variety of products, farmers markets play an important role in stimulating local economies, strengthening communities, increasing access to fresh food, and preserving farmland and rural livelihoods.
“Farmers markets give customers direct access to the freshest possible produce, meat and dairy, often harvested within hours of reaching the market, while giving farmers a venue to sell directly to their neighbors and keep every dollar spent,” said Jessica McClelland, communications manager for Virginia Fresh Match, a network of farmers markets that provide food assistance to customers in tandem with SNAP benefits.
In recent years, Virginia has experienced steady growth in both the number of farmers markets and the vendors who participate in them. Consumer interest remains strong as more people seek to understand where their food comes from and how it is produced.
According to the Virginia Farmers Market Association, there are 356 farmers markets across Virginia. Food sold at farmers markets travels an average of just 32 miles, compared to approximately 1,500 miles for food commonly found in grocery stores.
Programs such as Virginia Fresh Match further expand access to healthy food by doubling SNAP benefits spent on fruits and vegetables. These initiatives help customers stretch their food budgets while enabling markets to reach a broader customer base.
Locally raised meat, eggs and dairy products have been especially popular with shoppers this year, McClelland said. Summer favorites such as sweet corn, watermelon, sourdough bread and kimchi also have been in high demand.
For producers seeking additional support, organizations such as the VFMA offer resources and training programs through Farmers Market University and the Virginia Certified Farmers Market System.
“Celebrating National Farmers Market Week is a way to thank the farmers, vendors and market managers who make these connections possible while encouraging more Virginians to visit a market in their community and experience it firsthand,” McClelland said.
