For Immediate Release
Contact: Jane Hamel
857-492-6633
jane.hamel@gmail.com
7/30/2019
Medford Farmers Market Celebrates National Farmers Market Week
Music by Marie and John Civello and activities with the Family Network and Library.
Medford Farmers Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4-10, 2019. The market takes place on Thursday, Aug. 8th from 3-7pm at the Condon Shell.
As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer. According to statistics recently released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products. This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches.
The Medford Farmers Market began in 2007, and currently hosts nineteen vendors selling a wide variety of products, including fresh produce and flowers, meat and eggs, prepared foods, baked goods and bread, wine, jellies, nuts, herbs, and pasta. In the most recent season, Medford Farmers Market generated approximately $30,000 of annual sales for these local producers, a valuable economic boost for the region.
As one seller explained, “this market is not just about sales for me. It’s a community. I’m
glad to be here every week.”
Shoppers can now use HIP and SNAP at the market, which provides a match of up to $20
for every SNAP purchase. Additionally, our senior program was developed to help support seniors to get fresh, healthy produce by offering a great deal: $5 for a $10 bag of local fruits and vegetables hand selected from the Market.
“Farmers markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers, but in forming a healthy, prosperous food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Program Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture and sharing recipes and new foods with their neighbors. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.“
The Medford Farmers Market strengthens our diverse community of Medford, Massachusetts, through access to fresh, healthy, and local food direct from local farmers & producers.