Visit Local Markets for Vendors, Recipe Demonstrations, Kids Activities and more

Healthy Harvest of North Iowa and the markets they work with join markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4-10. Activities will be coordinated at seven local markets including: Sheffield Farmers Market, Hampton Farmers’ Market, Charles City Farmers Market, Forest City Farmers Market, Osage Farmers Market, the North Iowa Farmers Market in Mason City, and Clear Lake Farmers Market. Featured events will include samples of recipes using seasonal and local ingredients and kids activities. These activities will compliment regular market offerings, as well as additional activities that are planned at each market.

The schedule for National Farmers Market Week is as follows:

  • Mon., August 5, 5:00 – 6:00pm, Sheffield Farmers Market, Gilman & South 1st St., Sheffield
  • Tues., August 6, 4:00 – 6:00p.m., North Iowa Farmers Market, 1st St NE and Delaware, Mason City
  • Tues., August 6, 4:30 – 6:30p.m., Hampton Farmers Market, 9 2nd St SW, Hampton
  • Weds., August 7, 3:30 – 6:00 p.m., Charles City Farmers Market, 401 N Main St, Charles City
  • Thurs., August 8, 3:00 – 5:30p.m., Forest City Farmers Market, Corner of J and 4th, Forest City
  •  Thurs., August 8, 3:00 – 6:00p.m.,Osage Farmers Market, Corner of South 7th & North State, Osage
  • Sat., August 10, 9:00a.m. – 12:00p.m., Clear Lake Farmers Market, Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake

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 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.

Farmers Markets have been in North Iowa for over thirty years offering a wide variety of locally produced products, including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, eggs, meat, jams and jellies, flowers and more. In recent seasons, local markets have been increasing in popularity thanks to national health trends of understanding where one’s food comes from and increased support for local producers, a valuable economic boost for the region.

“Attending market gives customers the control over knowing where their food comes from, and how it was raised” says Marie Boyd, Special Project Manager for Healthy Harvest of North Iowa. “Farmers markets give folks the opportunity to strong relationships with their farmers and others who support local and family businesses.”

Local markets allow customers to converse with farmers, explore new ways to use local produce, and build community. Many markets have vendors that accept multiple payment methods including credit and debit cards, SNAP/EBT, WIC, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and more, breaking down some of the barriers often assumed to be present at markets.

“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.“

For more information on each farmers market, visit their Facebook pages. For other questions, contact Marie at marie@healthyharvestni.com or call 515-337-2445.