RICHMOND — This week is National Farmers Market Week, and Virginia’s agricultural community is using that platform to promote food security and the other benefits that your local farmers market provides. Thousands of vendors sell produce, crafts and other products at markets across the Commonwealth.
Jess McClelland, communications coordinator with the nonprofit Virginia Fresh Match, said when you buy direct from local businesses rather than big box stores, that’s putting more money into your neighbors’ pockets.
“During a time when farmers are facing increasing economic challenges, shopping local at farmers markets is one of the best ways that people can ensure that farmers can make a living and continue providing their communities with access to fresh food and also support farmland preservation,” McClelland said.
Many markets also accept government assistance benefits, including SNAP (food stamps) and SUN Bucks, which can be used through Virginia Fresh Match. Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, yet more than 700,000 residents in the Commonwealth are considered food insecure.
Jenny Lester Moffitt, U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary, said farmers markets can fill gaps in food deserts where healthy fruits and vegetables are expensive or hard to find.
“It’s about selling food, but it’s also about that nutrition education, and it’s also about farmer and farming education too, where you get to talk with the farmer who’s growing your product,” she said.
Many products are in season across the Commonwealth now, including tomatoes, peaches, peppers and cherries. More information about your local market, such as hours of operation and wheelchair or pet accessibility, is available at vafma.org.
