Foodlink is joining a chorus of agriculturally-conscious organizations across the country in celebration of National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 7-13).
In recent years, Foodlink has strategically aimed to distribute more local produce to our network of human service agencies and through a multitude of food access programs. Initiatives such as the Curbside Market, Urban Farm Stands and our Garden Project have all contributed to this movement’s success.
Foodlink is also a member of the Rochester Farmers Market SNAP Collaborative, which promotes the use of SNAP benefits at area farmers markets. The Curbside Market joins the City of Rochester Public Market and the Westside, South Wedge and Brighton farmers markets in this important initiative that incentivizes SNAP users to buy healthy, local food.
This year, the week-long celebration is highlighting five key ways in which farmers markets benefit our country. Farmers markets:
- Preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland
- Stimulate local economies
- Increase access to fresh, nutritious food
- Support healthy communities
- Promote sustainability
According to USDA statistics, there are more than 8,500 farmers markets nationwide – a 60 percent increase since 2009. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signed a proclamation declaring National Farmers Market Week, saying:
“Farmers markets are an important part of strong local and regional food systems that connect farmers with new customers and grow rural economies.”
For more information about how Foodlink promotes farmers markets in its 10-county service area, visit the Food Access page on its website. And get out there and support our local farmers markets!
