Growing Places Indy joins organizations and markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 7-13, 2022. Be sure to join us at the Indy Summer Farmers Market on Wednesday, August 10 at 727 N Oriental St from 4pm-7pm!
In the midst of a global pandemic, farmers markets — like all other small businesses — have innovated to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. Farmers markets foster direct relationships between community members and farmers which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system. Farmers markets are a hub for connection and collective action around shared values.
National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a membership-based nonprofit organization that supports farmers markets nationwide through training, technical assistance, and network-building. This year, the campaign is centered around the essential role that farmers market operators play in our local food systems and in developing resilience in communities as hubs for local economies and connection.
The Indy Winter Farmers Market, run by Growing Places Indy, began in 2008, and last year, hosted 65+ vendors selling a wide variety of products, including locally-grown produce, sustainably-raised meats, fresh-baked breads and pastries, and hand-crafted goods. This year, the market seeks to encourage local entrepreneurship, grow local food culture, and improve the quality of life and experience for Indianapolis residents and visitors.
The Indy Summer Farmers Market is a new endeavor for Growing Places Indy, which started this summer. It currently hosts a variety of local farmers selling fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as local artisans selling items such as handmade soaps and candles. The Indy Summer Farmers Market provides a venue for Indiana’s family farmers and artisans to connect with the community. This weekly summer market also helps improve the Near Eastside community’s year-round access to fresh, local food.
We believe everyone should have access to fresh local produce. Therefore, both of our markets offer a Triple-SNAP (known as food stamps or EBT) program. This program allows SNAP recipients to triple their dollars, which means more food on the table.
$20 SNAP + $20 Market Match + $20 Fresh Bucks = $60 for fresh local food!
We are committed to improving access to fresh, healthy foods for all members of the Indianapolis community. Accepting SNAP benefits and offering Fresh Bucks is a concrete and meaningful way to support our neighbors and create a healthier city.
“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. These farmers market operators are experts who need community and financial support to run their markets and resources specifically designed for their needs!”
