Celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week with the Clinton County Farmers Market

Farmers are the backbone of our economy and we are incredibly fortunate to have a thriving farming community here in Clinton County. This month, August 6-12, is National Farmers Market Week, the time of year when local farmers have an extra opportunity to market the goods they grow. We hope you’ll celebrate with the Clinton County Farmers Market.

What is National Farmers Market Week?

Did you know that the very first farmers market was held on the streets of Boston in 1634? Farmers markets bring farmers and artisans together to sell their products directly to the consumer, eliminating the need for a middleman. These products are guaranteed fresh, organic, and free of preservatives and pesticides, making them safer, healthier, and tastier for consumers. 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proclaimed the first National Farmers Market Week in 1999 after realizing the importance and benefits of organic produce and meat. Today, there are over 8,500 farmers markets across the country.

The Clinton County Farmers Market aims to make a positive impact on the community.

The Clinton County Farmers Market’s mission is “to provide locally grown produce and products that are of high quality and affordable for all community members in Clinton County in an enjoyable, welcoming atmosphere.” The Farmers Market works to provide easy access to fresh, locally grown foods to vulnerable individuals in the community through unique partnerships and programming, like:

• A Kids’ Market: With two dates set for the 2023 season (July 22 & September 16), kid vendors are invited to participate in the Farmers Market. This opportunity allows kids to use their creativity, invest in an idea, and sell items they’ve produced themselves. 
• Council on Aging (COA) Senior Farmers Market: Eligible Seniors receive $50 worth of coupons and vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.
• HealthFirst of Clinton County-supported programming: This partnership offers programming and benefits for kids, seniors, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants at the Farmers Market.

How do Farmers Markets benefit the community?

When food is produced, processed, distributed and sold within the same region, more money stays in the local economy, leading to economic development and job creation. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, of the $2.9 billion direct-to-consumer sales reported by the USDA in 2020, on-farm stores and farmers markets accounted for $1.7 billion (59%). The USDA also estimates that for every $1M in earned revenue, growers that sell locally create thirteen full-time jobs. 

Farmers markets are important to the physical health, education, and connection of the communities they serve. They provide access to fresh, healthy foods, especially in communities with limited shopping options. Additionally, neighbors come together to shop, eat, and socialize by trying new things, shopping with new vendors, and learning about farming practices.

The Clinton County Farmers Market’s 2023 season runs from May 13 through October 14, every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. You’ll find the vendors set up in the parking lot of the Clinton County Courthouse in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. For more information about the Market, its programs, and its vendors, visit https://www.facebook.com/ClintonCountyFarmersMarket or clintoncountyfarmersmarket.com.