Aug. 4, 2017 (MINNEAPOLIS) The City of Minneapolis passed a resolution recognizing Aug. 6-12 as Farmers Market Week. In honor of Farmers Market Week, Homegrown Minneapolis and the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis are collaborating to distribute free reusable market bags and “At the Farmers Market” children’s books at participating markets.

Certain farmers markets will also offer a “Power of Produce” experience for children during this week in which kids ages 3-12 will have a chance to sample a seasonal fruit or vegetable to earn a $2 token for purchasing market produce. Supplies are limited.

Homegrown Minneapolis is also working with the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota on a market research project throughout market season. Watch for customer “dot” surveys at the markets and share your input.

For event updates and details, check out the Homegrown Minneapolis’ farmers market page and the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis Facebook page.

Find a farmers market

The City has an online interactive map that makes it easy to find farmers markets all over the city. Clicking on the map pins will show the address, season dates and opening times for each market. More than two dozen farmers markets and mini markets with more than 600 total vendors are operating in Minneapolis this year.

Local produce

It’s easy for people to buy local produce. Most of the markets accept “electronic benefits transfer” cards as payment to give residents on federal food assistance easier access to fresh, healthy food and participate in the Market Bucks program, which provides an additional $10 for customers using SNAP/EBT. Some of the farmers markets are mini markets, special small markets that the City licenses to get more fresh and affordable produce on the table in low-income neighborhoods.

Local produce is nutritious and affordable. Buying food directly at a farmers market strengthens the community between the farmer and the eater, and it supports the regional economy by allowing the local farmer to keep 80 to 90 cents per dollar of sales. Many Minneapolis residents can reach a farmers market on foot or by bicycle, which are good ways to exercise and don’t pollute. Many of the farmers markets also serve to build community with prepared food, environment-themed educational activities and music.

Homegrown Minneapolis

Check out Homegrown Minneapolis for more ways to get healthy, local food on the table. Homegrown Minneapolis is a citywide initiative expanding our community’s ability to grow, process, distribute, eat and compost more healthy, sustainable, locally grown foods.

Farmers Markets of Minneapolis

Through Homegrown Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis is a part of the Farmers Markets of Minneapolis collaborative along with all of the farmers markets in Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. The collaborative is working together to ensure farmers markets are thriving cultural and economic assets that support health and prosperity for all Minneapolis’ communities and vendors.