Naig: National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 5-11
DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 3, 2018) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged Iowans to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables available at the more than 200 farmers markets in Iowa as part of National Farmers Market Week, which runs from Aug. 5 to 11.
“Farmers markets are a great place to find Iowa grown fruits, vegetables, meats and other products,” Naig said. “This is the time of year when our markets are packed with fresh, delicious, local foods. I encourage everyone to participate in National Farmers Market Week by visiting one of the markets in our state and supporting the farmers who are there.”
Donna Brahms, President of the Iowa Farmers Market Association also encourages everyone to visit their local farmers markets. “Iowa’s farmers markets continue to have great success, and many local markets are holding special events during National Farmers Market Week. The Iowa Farmers Market Association encourages everyone to visit and shop their local farmers markets,” she said.
As part of National Farmers Market Week, Naig highlighted the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs. These programs provide eligible low-income seniors as well as women and children in Iowa with checks that can be redeemed for fresh, locally grown produce at authorized farmers markets and farm stands from June 1 through October 31, 2018.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship administers the programs in partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department on Aging. For more information contact Stephanie Groom, Program Administrator, at 515-725-1179 or at Stephanie.Groom@IowaAgriculture.gov.
Naig also encouraged Iowans to take advantage of the Department’s online Iowa Farmers Market Directory and Iowa Farmstand Directory. Both directories provide detailed information on market and farmstand locations, dates and hours open, links to websites, and details on FMNP check acceptance. The directories can be found here.
General questions on farmers markets and farmstands can be directed to the State Horticulturist, Paul Ovrom at paul.ovrom@iowaagriculture.gov or 515-242-6239.