NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK

AUGUST 4-10, 2024


Public and land-grant universities across the U.S. help provide communities with access to farm-fresh, healthy foods through local farmers markets.




two Tennessee State University employees smiling. They are sitting at a table with vegetables

Photo courtesy of Diana Broadaway, Farmers Market Coalition.

1890 University Farmers Market Pilot Programs

Though fruits and vegetables are a key component to a healthy diet, many college students rely on fast food and other unhealthy food options due to affordability and ease of access. On-campus farmers markets are a viable way to introduce fresh foods back to students' diets. Thanks to a new partnership from Farmers Market Coalition and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, three 1890 land-grant universities were selected to host on-campus farmers markets as part of the 1890 University Farmers Market Pilot program.


Read more about the 1890 University Farmers Market Pilot.

Fighting food deserts with farmers markets

Farmers markets play a crucial role in combating food deserts by providing fresh, locally sourced produce to communities that lack access to nutritious food. By bringing healthy options to neighborhoods with limited grocery stores, farmers markets help improve diet quality, reduce food insecurity, and promote overall community health.

See how land-grant universities are fighting food deserts.
a smiling Extension employee inside the Fresh on Dek truck

Photo courtesy of Merritt Melancon, University of Georgia.

a smiling Extension employee inside the Fresh on Dek truck

Photo courtesy of Merritt Melancon, University of Georgia.

Fighting food deserts with farmers markets

Farmers markets play a crucial role in combating food deserts by providing fresh, locally sourced produce to communities that lack access to nutritious food. By bringing healthy options to neighborhoods with limited grocery stores, farmers markets help improve diet quality, reduce food insecurity, and promote overall community health.

See how land-grant universities are fighting food deserts.
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NOURISHING COMMUNITIES WITH SNAP-ED

Did you know that many farmers markets accept SNAP payments? Land-grant universities support families and communities in need through SNAP-Education programs.

SNAP-Ed equips SNAP participants with the information they need to make healthy food choices; prepare and store food safely; and engage in other behaviors that improve health and quality of life.


Learn more about SNAP-Ed.



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NOURISHING COMMUNITIES WITH SNAP-ED

Did you know that many farmers markets accept SNAP payments? Land-grant universities support families and communities in need through SNAP-Education programs.

SNAP-Ed equips SNAP participants with the information they need to make healthy food choices; prepare and store food safely; and engage in other behaviors that improve health and quality of life.


Learn more about SNAP-Ed.



a farmer assists a customer at a market

Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

FARMERS MARKETS AS COMMUNITY BUILDERS

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
Results from two surveys — one targeting farmers market leaders and the other distributed to Wisconsin residents — show how local food markets promote communication that builds civic engagement.


Read More



vegetables at a farmers market

BUY, COOK, EAT LOCAL: COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

PENN STATE
Learning how to cook healthy food using farm fresh ingredients may help people improve their diets. An innovative program that Penn State Extension educators launched in partnership with local farmers markets is lowering barriers to healthy eating by introducing people to fresh produce and other local foods.


Read More



a farmer hands a product to a customer at a farmers market
Photo courtesy of Alex Hatch, NHAES.
REDUCING BARRIERS TO LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
UNH scientists are studying methods to better connect farmers to markets and consumers, and examining ways of improving local food access for New Hampshire communities.


Read More



an Extension employee hands a community member a bag of fresh produce

Photo courtesy of University of Georgia.

MOBILE MARKET BRINGS FREE VEGETABLES TO FOOD DESERTS

THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
The Fulton Fresh Mobile Market visits food deserts in Georgia. Participants receive a nutrition class, food preparation demonstration, and a bag of fresh in-season produce, all for no charge.


Read More



vegetables at a farmers market

FARMERS MARKETS ADD BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
One of summertime’s treats in the South is the prevalence of farmers markets, community social events that allow shoppers to leave with a variety of fresh, local fruits, vegetables and other goods. MSU Extension supports farmers markets in a variety of ways, such as providing research-based information and other resources.


Read More



sellers at a farmers market

FARMERS MARKET WEEK HONORS CONTRIBUTIONS

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Arkansas' farmers markets play a crucial role in supporting the agricultural economy while improving access to fresh produce in rural communities.


Read More

a farmer assists a customer at a market

Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

FARMERS MARKETS AS COMMUNITY BUILDERS
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON


Results from two surveys — one targeting farmers market leaders and the other distributed to Wisconsin residents — show how local food markets promote communication that builds civic engagement.


Read More



vegetables at a farmers market

BUY, COOK, EAT LOCAL: COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
PENN STATE


Learning how to cook healthy food using farm fresh ingredients may help people improve their diets. An innovative program that Penn State Extension educators launched in partnership with local farmers markets is lowering barriers to healthy eating by introducing people to fresh produce and other local foods.


Read More



a farmer hands a product to a customer at a farmers market
Photo courtesy of Alex Hatch, NHAES.

REDUCING BARRIERS TO LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE


UNH scientists are studying methods to better connect farmers to markets and consumers, and examining ways of improving local food access for New Hampshire communities.


Read More



a man smiles holding a bag of produce

MOBILE MARKET BRINGS FREE VEGETABLES TO FOOD DESERTS
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA


The Fulton Fresh Mobile Market visits food deserts in Georgia. Participants receive a nutrition class, food preparation demonstration, and a bag of fresh in-season produce, all for no charge.


Read More



vegetables at a farmers market

FARMERS MARKETS ADD BENEFITS TO COMMUNITY
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY


One of summertime’s treats in the South is the prevalence of farmers markets, community social events that allow shoppers to leave with a variety of fresh, local fruits, vegetables and other goods. MSU Extension supports farmers markets in a variety of ways, such as providing research-based information and other resources.


Read More



sellers at a farmers market

FARMERS MARKET WEEK HONORS CONTRIBUTIONS
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS


Arkansas' farmers markets play a crucial role in supporting the agricultural economy while improving access to fresh produce in rural communities.


Read More