Early August is not just when the corn has grown high, it also marks the start of National Farmers Market Week, an annual celebration of farmers markets put on by the Farmers Market Coalition.
The City of Pittsburgh has announced plans to join farmers in the festivities being held through Saturday at the Squirrel Hill, East End, Carrick, and North Side Farmers markets throughout the week. The celebrations include giveaway items for the first 100 customers at each market and live music performed by local musicians.
The City of Pittsburgh’s four farmers markets host nearly 20 farmers from the local region and more then 50 total vendors selling a variety of products, including fresh produce, baked goods, hot prepared foods and handmade items.
“Our local farmers markets provide a critical resource to Pittsburgh residents,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “National Farmers Market Week will be a celebration of our work supporting urban farmers, fighting food insecurity, and ensuring fresh, healthy and nutritious meals are accessible to everyone.”
In 2021, nearly 600,000 households made at least one purchase at farmers markets nationwide, according to a news release from the Mayor’s office. All City of Pittsburgh farmers markets accept food stamps (SNAP), credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program.
“Farmers markets are abundant sources of food, connection and resilience in our communities across the country, but they don’t just happen on their own,” said Ben Feldman, Farmers Market Coalition executive director.
“Behind the scenes of every successful farmers market is a dedicated person or team working to make the market thrive. Throughout National Farmers Market Week 2022, we will be highlighting the vital work of farmers market operators across the nation,” Feldman said.
